Singapore throws $750 million at flood and drainage problem

It will be spent in the next five years on canal capacity expansions and better flash flood safeguards.

The projects will cover 20 drainage improvement projects aimed at raising flood protection and reinforcing six major canals like the Alexandra Canal and Rochor Canal, according to the Public Utilities Board in a release.

“Recognising the challenges posed by weather uncertainties and increasing urbanisation, we have put in place a multi-pronged plan that covers the entire spectrum of drainage and flood management. This includes implementing higher drainage design standards and holistic solutions, building new capabilities and working with stakeholders to improve preparedness. Through these efforts, we seek to minimise and mitigate the impact of flash floods in Singapore,” said Mr Chew Men Leong, Chief Executive of PUB, the national water agency.

"Over the next five years, PUB will spend about $750 million to carry out 20 drainage improvement projects to achieve a higher level of flood protection. The capacity of six major canals (Bukit Timah 1st Diversion Canal, Geylang River, Alexandra Canal, Rochor Canal, Sungei Bedok and Sungei Kallang), will be increased by 30 to 45% to meet the higher standards stipulated in the revised Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage." said PUB.

"achieve the higher drainage and flood protection standards To do that, PUB will adopt a holistic approach that covers the entire drainage system. Recognising that expanding drainage will not be sufficient, especially for areas that are more developed and have site constraints, PUB will go beyond the conventional ‘pathway’ solutions (such as expanding drains/canals and building diversion canals and detention ponds) to developing solutions at ‘source’ (where rainwater falls) to better manage stormwater run-off, and at ‘receptors’ (where rainwater flows to) to protect buildings at the local level," it added.

"Specifically for Stamford Canal catchment, PUB will implement immediate measures to maximise the flow capacity of Stamford Canal. These include introducing a polymer lining to smoothen the canal walls and diversion of some services such as sewer and NEWater pipelines. The lining works are expected to be completed in 9 months while the diversion of services will take up to a year. These immediate measures will help increase Stamford Canal’s flow capacity by an estimated 10%. Longer-term solutions including the construction of a diversion canal and detention ponds are currently being studied, and PUB will finalise these plans by May 2012," it said further.