FLOOD ALLEVIATION, SINGAPORE ISLAND

Mr John Ede asked the Minister for Communications and Works whether the special officer appointed to investigate into the causes of flooding throughout the island and to recommend measures of prevention has submitted his report, and what the Government's intentions are in this matter.

Mr Francis Thomas: The Chief Drainage Engineer submitted a short appreciation of the problem three weeks after his arrival here in March. Since then, he has been engaged with his engineering staff in making a thorough survey of the situation. When the investigations are complete, he will submit a series of reports on schemes for drainage in different areas of the island. The first of these reports is expected in a few weeks' time, and the others will be ready before the end of the year.

From the investigations which have already been carried out, it is evident that measures can be taken to prevent flooding, but they will involve very large works, and the total cost will run into a huge sum. It is therefore necessary to decide priorities on the basis of the Chief Drainage Engineer's recommendations; to decide the number of years over which the various works have to be phased; and, not least, to decide the problem of financing the works.

Mr John Ede: Sir, may I ask the Minister whether he will consider laying the report, or reports, on the Table of this House as they are completed?

Mr Francis Thomas: I see no objection to that, Mr Speaker.