DRAINAGE AT FLOOD-PRONE AREAS

DRAINAGE AT FLOOD-PRONE AREAS

1.

Dr Ong Seh Hong asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) when was the drainage system within Eunos, Kembangan, Changi Road and Telok Kurau areas last upgraded; (b) what else can be done to flush stagnant water in the drains in these areas even in dry weather; and (c) will the Ministry consider prioritising its upgrading of the drainage system for these flood prone areas.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: The Eunos, Kembangan, Changi Road and Telok Kurau areas are served by two major canals – Joo Chiat Outlet Drain and Siglap Canal. Joo Chiat Outlet Drain was enlarged in 2005. Work to upgrade a tributary of Siglap Canal, Lorong L Telok Kurau Outlet Drain, is in progress and expected to be completed in early 2011. This will alleviate flooding in the Telok Kurau area.

For Lorong 104 to 106 Changi, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) will upgrade two covered sections of the drains within this year. The upgrading of roadside drains at these locations has also been brought forward to the first quarter of 2011 and is expected to be completed in two years. This project will improve the flow of water in the drains, thus alleviating floods in the area and preventing stagnant water from accumulating in the drains. PUB will also continue to conduct weekly inspection and cleansing of the drains to remove debris and flush stagnant water.

Notwithstanding the drainage improvement projects, floods could still occur during intense storms as the area is generally low-lying. Residents should take precautionary measures by having flood barriers such as stop boards or sandbags on standby. To help residents take timely precautions, PUB is also working with the National Environment Agency (NEA) to develop an integrated heavy rain and flood alert system. By end October 2010, residents will be able to subscribe to this integrated SMS-alert system to receive heavy rain warnings as well as high water level alerts for specific outlet drains or canals.

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