I REFER to the report, "First city reservoir opens" (The Straits Times, Nov 1). For a century, Singapore has had to depend on Malaysia for its supply of raw water, mainly due to the lack of natural resources in Singapore.

Hence, it should consider the the long-term implications and significance of the project.

There are some lessons we can draw from this:

- Singapore needs political leaders with foresight and ingenuity to set the right visions and objectives for the country to move ahead, regardless of adversities in its way.

- Singapore has made remarkable achievements in the area of water management, and the country's water-engineering companies have clinched contracts to build water-management facilities overseas.

In similar fashion, Singapore can explore its options and turn other vulnerabilities into strengths and capabilities.

For example, aquatic airports and warehouses could be designed and developed.

- Singapore's foreign-talent scheme would also have to take into account the above, and skilled workers from diverse areas would have to be attracted to Singapore to provide the expertise the country needs.

Mr Teo Kueh Liang

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