Operation and Maintenance of Tuaspring Pte Ltd by PUB

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) whether PUB has the required manpower to operate and maintain Tuaspring Pte Ltd; (b) what will be the operating model envisaged for Tuaspring over the long term; and (c) whether there will be cost implications to PUB.

To safeguard Singapore's water security, the PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, issued a 30-day notice to Tuaspring Pte Ltd (TPL) on 17 April 2019 to terminate the Water Purchase Agreement (WPA) between PUB and TPL.

After the termination of the WPA, PUB will take over, own, and operate the Tuaspring Desalination Plant (TSDP), similar to the Tuas Desalination Plant which PUB currently operates. PUB has the operational capabilities, experience, and manpower to operate the TSDP. PUB’s immediate focus is to put in place the necessary measures and upgrading works to restore TSDP’s ability to produce desalinated water reliably. PUB is working through the implementation details with TPL to facilitate a smooth handover.

PUB will have a better estimate on the costs of operations after taking over the TSDP. PUB will always act to ensure Singapore’s water security and will not allow it to be compromised.