Debated in Parliament on 29 Feb 2016.
Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources whether PUB will expedite the repairs or replacement of damaged or very old drains so that water stagnation will be minimised and mosquito breeding places can be reduced.
Mdm Speaker, to maintain Singapore's vast network of drains and canals, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) works closely with the National Environment Agency (NEA) to adopt a comprehensive maintenance regime which comprises regular cleaning and structural maintenance.
PUB regularly inspects and upkeeps our drains to ensure their performance. Drains that show minor damage will be repaired promptly. Such repair works will be prioritised based on the drain conditions. Drains that are found to have severe structural wear beyond repair will be upgraded as soon as possible through PUB's drainage improvement programme.
NEA undertakes the regular cleaning of public drains. Debris, litter and shed leaves in the drains are removed promptly to allow stormwater to flow freely and to prevent pockets of stagnant water from forming. This is to avoid choked drains becoming mosquito breeding sites. Drains are also flushed periodically to remove silt.
PUB and NEA will continue to keep our drains and waterways clean and in good condition, so as to better protect Singaporeans from floods and vector-borne diseases like dengue.
Mr Lim Biow Chuan.
Mdm Speaker, I just wanted to ask the Minister a clarification. Each time I speak to my residents who have got a damaged drain, PUB seems to give me the answer that I have got to wait for the Interim Estate Upgrading Programme (I-EUP). Can I ask the Minister to confirm that if I do have a damaged drain or a drain that is not flowing properly, I can request PUB to carry out immediate repairs? Otherwise, it becomes a potential source and we cannot solve the problem of dengue until the drains get repaired.
Mdm Speaker, I assure the Member that if it is a drainage problem, we will fix it.
PAPERCUTS