PUB to take action against MRT contractor over works that caused Upper Thomson floods
Sato Kogyo had carried out unauthorised works that affected the public drainage system, said national water agency PUB. Photo: Jason Quah
SINGAPORE — Sato Kogyo had carried out unauthorised works that affected the public drainage system, and the national water agency PUB will be taking action against the company, it said after it carried out investigations into the Upper Thomson flooding incident.
The works carried out had contributed to the flooding, which took place on Christmas Eve, filling the area with knee-deep water. Some of the businesses in the vicinity were reported to have suffered damage worth thousands of dollars.
In a statement on Tuesday (Jan 17), the PUB said after the incident, it carried out an investigation at the Upper Thomson MRT station construction site and found that Sato Kogyo had carried out works that affected the public drainage system. Sato Kogyo had earlier been awarded the contract for the station’s construction.
“A temporary diversion drain constructed by the contractor within the worksite was found to be undersized, and the contractor did not inform PUB prior to the commencement of these works.
“The public drainage system across Upper Thomson Road (near Lorong Mega) was also found to have been altered by the contractor without PUB’s approval.”
The contractor, which has been told to carry out rectifications to improve the drainage in the area, will also be facing action under the Sewerage and Drainage Act, PUB said.
Contractors may be fined up to S$50,000 for works affecting the public drainage system, and up to $20,000 for unauthorised alteration of the public drainage system.
In its statement, PUB noted that contractors must seek approval from the agency and notify it before carrying out any works affecting the stormwater drainage systems within and near their construction sites. This is to ensure that these do not affect the functioning of the public drainage
system.
“They must not construct, alter, discontinue or close up any stormwater drain without approval from PUB. PUB takes a serious view of unauthorised works on the public drainage system,” it added.
