Contractor set to be charged over works that caused Upper Thomson floods

SINGAPORE — The PUB is taking steps to press charges against Sato Kogyo, the contractor that had carried out unauthorised works that affected the public drainage system, contributing to flash floods in the Upper Thomson Road area last Christmas Eve.

Revealing this in Parliament yesterday, Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli, who had been asked by Jurong GRC Member of Parliament Ang Wei Neng whether the agency has taken any action against the contractors, said charges will be put forward when ready.

Parts of Upper Thomson Road were hit by flash floods last Christmas Eve after a heavy downpour, with some businesses reportedly suffering damage worth thousands of dollars.

An investigation after the incident at the site of the Upper Thomson Road MRT station had revealed that Sato Kogyo had carried out works that affected the public drainage system — namely an “undersized” temporary diversion drain — and the works were done without seeking approval.

Yesterday, Mr Masagos told the House that the flash flood was caused by “a localised constriction at the temporary diversion drain”.

Under the Sewerage and Drainage Act, Sato Kogyo could be fined up to S$50,000 if found guilty of conducting unauthorised works affecting the public drainage system. The company could also be fined up to S$20,000 if found guilty of unauthorised alteration or interference to public drainage systems.

Mr Masagos also said in Parliament that the Republic’s storm-water management strategies have been working.

“Despite increased urbanisation and more variable weather, flood prone areas have been reduced from 3,200ha in the 1970s to 30.5ha today,” he said, addressing questions raised by Mr Ang as well as Nominated MP Assoc Prof Randolph Tan.

But while efforts will continue to be made to reduce flood-prone areas, Mr Masagos said these measures will take time to implement, and may not be able to cope with all “extremities” in rainfall.

Calling for a concerted effort to tackle flooding, he said: “I urge all parties to play a part in ensuring that our drains are free-flowing, and to appreciate the importance of source and receptor requirements in their developments.” ALFRED CHUA