SINGAPORE: The Merlion at Merlion Park, closed for
repairs after being slightly damaged in a lightning strike, is
expected to re—open in two weeks’ time.
Lightning during a heavy downpour on 28 February had caused a
piece from the Merlion structure to fall onto the wave form at its
base. Nobody was hurt.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), together with professional
engineers and appointed contractors, have since assessed the
incident’s impact on the Merlion’s structural integrity and the
repair works required.
The Merlion has been assessed to be safe and structurally sound.
Immediate repair works will involve re—plastering the affected
areas on the Merlion. This will start on 9 March and is targeted
for completion by 21 March.
The wave form at the base of the Merlion will require a longer
repair time, to allow the required glass material to be fabricated
according to the original specifications.
The STB is consulting relevant contractors on the expected
duration for repairing the wave form. Steps will be taken to ensure
that the repair works to the wave form will not affect the
aesthetics of the Merlion when it re—opens in two weeks’ time.
Designed and built as a sculpture, the Merlion did not include a
lightning conductor. However, STB is now studying the possible
lightning protection measures for the Merlion Park to prevent
similar incidents from recurring.
— CNA/ir
