Flood-Proofing Walkways and Footpaths

Mr Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) what efforts are being made to minimise the common occurrence of water ponding on roadside walkways and footpaths whenever there is a heavy thunderstorm; and (b) whether PUB keeps track of such flood-prone roadside walkways and footpaths throughout the island.

Footpaths and walkways are built above road levels to minimise risk of flooding. However, there may be topographically lower sections of walkways where water may accumulate during heavy rain. PUB would usually require open gratings to be fitted so that rainwater can flow

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directly into the drains below. Where this is not possible, the walkway should have adequate camber and/or scupper drains. In flood-prone areas, PUB will also be installing more open gratings for the covered drains, as well as additional drop inlet chambers (DICs), so as to facilitate the flow of water into the drains instead of overflowing onto the footpaths and walkways.

Localised depressions may also occur in some walkways due to ground subsidence and growth of tree roots. PUB will advise the relevant agencies and Town Councils to rectify these depressions.