MAINTENANCE OF DRAINS AND WATERWAYS

MAINTENANCE OF DRAINS AND WATERWAYS

22.

Mr Baey Yam Keng asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) how the maintenance of the various drains and waterways is shared among PUB, Town Councils and other agencies; and (b) whether the cleaning frequency is synchronised among the different agencies to ensure an optimal state of cleanliness.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Maintenance of drains and waterways includes both cleaning and repair works. PUB maintains major waterways and all drains along public roads. Small drains within public housing estates are maintained by Town Councils, while small drains in private properties like condominiums, are maintained by their owners and management corporations.

Different drains require different cleaning frequencies based on their type and location. Under performance based contracts, contractors clean the drains as often as necessary to ensure a minimum standard of cleanliness. In addition, while individual agencies are responsible for the maintenance of their drains, PUB also maintains oversight to manage flood risks from the drains.

Drains and waterways are part of our water catchment. Stormwater collected is transported to our reservoirs and makes up our supply of drinking water. We all have a part to play in maintaining the cleanliness of our environment. We hope that the public will continue to take ownership of our drains and waterways, and help to keep them clean.

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