Singapore is gearing up to allocate approximately S$150 million for drainage upgrading projects in the upcoming fiscal year, with a primary focus on fortifying the country’s flood resilience against escalating climate change risks. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, disclosed in a recent parliamentary session that ongoing initiatives include 19 drainage upgrading projects, with an additional six set to kick off in 2025.
In light of recent monsoon surges that inundated the nation with incessant rains, Ms. Fu highlighted the urgency of bolstering Singapore’s drainage systems. She articulated, “While PUB had upgraded the roadside drains at Jalan Seaview in 2014 to increase their drainage capacity, some areas in the vicinity of Jalan Seaview are still susceptible to flooding as the road levels are marginally above the high tide level.”
Emphasizing the critical impact of climate change on flood risks, Ms. Fu underscored the multi-pronged strategy adopted by PUB to strengthen Singapore’s flood resilience. She stated, “Climate change will bring about more instances of unpredictable rainfall, increasing flood risks in Singapore.” Reflecting on the government’s substantial investment of around S$2.5 billion since 2011 to fortify the city-state’s drainage infrastructure, Ms. Fu indicated proactive measures in reducing flood-prone areas significantly over the years.
Addressing concerns about the sustainability and feasibility of continuous drainage system expansion, Ms. Fu reasoned, “It would be more effective to build up Singapore’s flood resilience at the ‘systems’ level…To put things into perspective, flooding in Singapore is localized and typically subsides within an hour.” She advocated for a collaborative approach involving building owners, developers, and the wider community to bolster flood resilience across the nation.
Amid discussions about potential financial investments as flood occurrences heighten, Ms. Fu reiterated the importance of a balanced strategy, stating, “It is still the same message that while (the) government will look at improving our infrastructure, we need community, we need businesses … to also undertake protection measures to protect themselves, protect their properties and protect their family.”
As Singapore charts its course to confront climate change-induced challenges, the allocation of resources towards drainage projects stands as a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to fortify its infrastructure and enhance flood resilience.
