November 22, 2009 by admin
Filed under Top
News
Leave a
comment
Written by
Our Correspondent
Some Bukit Timah
residents have expressed their unhappiness about the “freak” storm
which occurred on Thursday, causing tremendous damage to their
properties and cars.
Analyst Norman Yap
told the state media:
“It has been two
days now, and no one has told us if any preventive measures are
being taken. This may be a rare event, but the infrastructure
should be in place to handle it.”
Another resident Mr
Liang said:
“I was concerned
about casualties in the flood, so perhaps the Government can relook
the drainage system.”
Minister for the
Environment and Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim had described the
flooding of parts of Bukit Timah on Thursday as a “freak” event
that occurs once in 50 years.
Following the
flooding which damaged the buildings, amenities and cars in the
area, PUB has called for tenders to widen the canals in Bukit
Timah.
Dr Yaacob did not
explain why the canals were not widened earlier to prepare for this
“freak” event”. He claimed that it is “not possible” to plan for
every event.
The canals were
built initially in 1972. Mr Yaacob became the Minister for the
Environment and Water Resources in 2004.
Besides the
flooding, the mass food poisoning outbreak at the Geylang Serai
temporary market in April this year was also a “freak” event which
could not be planned for.
The extent of the
damage to the areas affected by the flood is still being
calculated.
It is unlikely that
PUB or other government agency will accept responsibility for the
inadequate public works done since it was a “freak” event in the
first place.
Interview
source: Sunday Times, 22 November
2009
