Synopsis
Singapore is investing 150 million SGD for six new drainage projects to combat flash floods. Minister Grace Fu announced improvements following heavy January rains. The government has spent 2.5 billion SGD since 2011 on drainage, while minimizing pothole issues through proactive maintenance.Key Takeaways
- 150 million SGD allocated for drainage projects
- 19 ongoing drainage improvements
- 2.5 billion SGD invested since 2011
- Collaboration needed for flood preparedness
- Significant reduction in potholes detected
Singapore, Feb 4 (NationPress) The government of Singapore will commit roughly 150 million Singapore dollars (approximately 110 million US dollars) for six new drainage enhancement projects in the fiscal year 2025, as part of ongoing initiatives to address flash flood risks, announced Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu during a parliamentary session.
This decision follows two monsoon surges in January that resulted in substantial rainfall and localized flooding. In response to inquiries from lawmakers about flood prevention strategies, Fu stated that her ministry is also evaluating the nation's comprehensive drainage infrastructure plan for the upcoming five-year period from fiscal 2026 to 2030.
Currently, there are 19 active drainage improvement projects. The six additional projects will focus on widening and deepening existing drains.
Since 2011, the government has invested 2.5 billion Singapore dollars into enhancing drainage infrastructure. However, Fu cautioned that it is "neither practical nor prudent" to perpetually expand the drainage system due to Singapore's limited land resources, as reported by Xinhua.
"Doing so would necessitate significant land and financial resources, which would then be unavailable for other crucial uses," she explained, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach, urging the government, building owners, developers, and the broader community to "be ready for flash floods and adapt accordingly."
Despite occasional flash floods, Fu mentioned that the majority of flooding events in Singapore are localized and typically dissipate within an hour.
Nearly 100 potholes were also reported across Singapore in the initial 12 days of 2025 amid ongoing heavy rainfall.
This figure is considerably lower than the same timeframe in 2024, as local media sources cited data from the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
Potholes usually form when water infiltrates cracks in road surfaces resulting from regular wear and tear. These cracks expand as vehicles traverse over them, a situation worsened by extended periods of rainfall, an LTA spokesperson elaborated.
Proactive road maintenance has contributed to a significant reduction in the number of potholes identified annually in recent years. According to LTA statistics, there was a drop from 9,702 potholes in 2021 to 3,013 in 2024.
