FLOODS (Steps to prevent recurrence)

Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education what steps are being taken to prevent the recurrence of the grave inconvenience caused to the public by the chaotic traffic condition due to the recent severe floods.

The Minister for Home Affairs and Education (Mr Chua Sian Chin): Mr Speaker, Sir, in consultation with other relevant Departments, the Police has identified areas prone to floods and traffic congestion following heavy rainfall. It has drawn up some diversion routes to by-pass these areas. Motorists have also been advised what they should do in case of heavy and incessant rain leading to extensive flooding. The information has already been given wide publicity in the press and over television and radio. Briefly, motorists are urged not to use their vehicles when there is extensive flooding. If they have to use their vehicles they are advised to plan their routes in advance and listen to radio reports on the flood and traffic situation so as to avoid the flooded areas. They are asked to drive carefully and observe diversion signs.

During incessant and heavy rain the Police will monitor the flood and traffic situation and give frequent situation reports over Radio Singapore. Similar announcements will also be made by the Rediffusion.

Police personnel in the Divisions and the Traffic Police have been briefed on the diversion routes drawn up for them to direct traffic during severe flooding of the roads. Directional signs have been made and they will be placed at strategic junctions to guide the motorists.

As before. Police Reserve Units have been assigned to respond to calls for rescue operations. They will be deployed to remove fallen trees and other road obstructions and assist commuters and motorists. Now, more Police Reserve Units will be deployed for this purpose.

The Police has also been given authority by the Road Transport Action Committee to lift the Area Licensing Scheme (ALS) temporarily if and when flood conditions warrant it. The temporary lifting of the ALS will also be announced over the radio and Rediffusion.

Mr Ivan Baptist: Sir, can the Minister tell us why the Traffic Police did not react fast enough to lessen hardship for' the people?

Mr Chua Sian Chin: Sir, I do not know whether the Member for Potong Pasir is referring to the 1st November floods. If it is so, the Police acted as fast as they could. The Member would remember that it was a flash flood. It came very suddenly.

Mr Ivan Baptist: Sir, can the Minister tell us whether the Traffic Police, together with the relevant departments, have taken any corrective action to ensure that these flood-prone areas are relieved, so that there will not be any need for avoidance of these areas during floods by the people but rather having the situation corrected?

Mr Chua Sian Chin: Sir, I suppose the Member for Potong Pasir meant that there should be no floods. I believe that is a question which I think my colleague. the Minister for Law and the Environment, would be in a better position to answer,

Mr Ivan Baptist: Sir, can the Hon. Minister tell us whether the Traffic Police Department has liaised with the Ministry of National Development and Communications, to ensure that the flood-prone areas could be relieved? In other words, to carry out some flood relief projects and so on.

Mr Chua Sian Chin: Sir, the answer to that question is already contained in my original answer where I stated that the measures planned were as a result of consultation between the Traffic Police and other relevant departments. And one of the relevant departments is the Ministry of the Environment which is in charge of drainage.

Mr Ivan Baptist: Sir, has the Ministry of National Development been consulted to provide flood relief?

Mr Chua Sian Chin: Sir, the answer is yes.