Amy Khor on Sewerage and Drainage (Amendment) Bill

Singapore must protect its sewers from damage and take errant companies to task to better secure its used water system and safeguard its water with a weather-resilient NEWater tap. It must also protect its stormwater system to enhance flood resilience and prepare to adapt to extreme weather patterns that will come with climate change. The Sewerage and Drainage (Amendment) Bill will give PUB the legislative powers to do this, said Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Amy Khor. Outlining the key changes in Parliament on Monday (Nov 11), she highlighted the use of technology to better protect Singapore’s sewerage system. To deter illegal actions by general waste collectors, new regulations will be imposed for tankers to be installed with tracking and locking devices. The maximum penalties will be raised and minimum penalties will be introduced to better reflect the severe impact on Singapore’s water supply. The penalty quantum should be substantial enough so that companies are not incentivised to flout the law, said Dr Khor. To enhance Singapore’s flood resilience, the Government will raise the penalties to deter damage or unauthorised modifications. “With more intense weather events, it is not feasible to expand our drains to cater for every extreme rainfall event. Premises owners and occupiers have a part to play in ensuring the flood resilience of their own premises, which also affects the surrounding developments and connected drainage system,” said Dr Khor. The Bill will require owners of premises to keep their stormwater drainage systems, drains and flood protection measures in proper order.