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Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Underground tank to prevent flooding in low-lying Jalan Besar area completed
Located next to Rochor Canal, the Syed Alwi Pumping Station is designed to divert storm water from the upstream of Rochor Canal into an underground tank. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO SINGAPORE – The low-lying Jalan Besar area and parts of Little India are now better protected against floods with the completion of a new pumping station with an underground tank along Syed Alwi Road. Located next to Rochor Canal, the Syed Alwi Pumping Station is designed to divert storm water from the upstream of Rochor Canal into an underground tank. The water is then pumped out of the tank – which is able to hold about 9,300 cubic m of water, or about the total capacity of four Olympic-size pools – into a downstream section of Rochor Canal during and after storms. This ensures that storm drains, which collect rainwater run-off from the Jalan Besar area, are not overwhelmed during intense rain when the water level in the canal is high. The completion of the underground tank was announced by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu in a recorded address at the 2025 Singapore International Water Week Spotlight conference on June 23. 'As ground raising is not possible in (Jalan Besar), the dual-purpose storage and pumping station was conceptualised as an alternative solution to enhance flood resilience,' she said in the video, which was aired at the event held at the Singapore Expo. National water agency PUB, which built the $33 million pumping station, said it 'forms part of PUB's diverse storm water management infrastructure to strengthen Singapore's flood resilience as climate change brings about more frequent and intense rainfall'. The fully automated pumping station, which was completed in June, also has floodgates at the Syed Alwi Road drains that shut to prevent backflow of water from Rochor Canal into the Jalan Besar area. Construction of the Syed Alwi Pumping Station began in 2021, with most of the costs covered by Singapore's Coastal and Flood Protection Fund. The fund, which was set up with an initial injection of $5 billion in 2020, received an additional injection of $5 billion from Budget 2025, to fund both coastal protection and drainage infrastructure. Jalan Besar is a low-lying area that experienced flooding from the 2000s to 2010s. The last time it experienced a flooding incident was on Nov 13, 2014, said PUB. Among the efforts made to combat flooding in the area were the upgrading of drains along Syed Alwi Road and raising road levels in 2014. Rochor Canal, which runs along Sungei Road and Rochor Canal Road towards Marina Reservoir, was also widened and deepened in 2015 to increase its drainage capacity. These measures enhanced flood protection in nearby areas such as Veerasamy Road, Hindoo Road and Desker Road. However, expanding drainage infrastructure and raising ground levels are not feasible for all sites, said Ms Gayathri Kalyanaraman, senior principal engineer for drainage planning at PUB's catchment and waterways department. 'The low-lying Jalan Besar area illustrates this challenge,' she said. It is not possible to raise roads and buildings in the area, which has many heritage buildings such as Masjid Angullia and the shophouse at 75 Maude Road. This is where the new pumping station comes in – enhancing the area's flood resilience. Storm water will accumulate in the underground tank, which is 11m high and has the capacity of four Olympic-sized pools and can hold about 9,300 cu m of water. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO When the water level in the tank reaches 4.5m, the pumps will be automatically activated to discharge water into Rochor Canal via two outlets. When the water level is below 4m, the water will be discharged by two other smaller pumps into the canal. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Two other pumping stations, built in the 1990s, enhance flood resilience in the low-lying Tanjong Katong estate. Despite its efforts to enhance Singapore's drainage infrastructure, 'absolute protection is not possible, and building community resilience is key', said PUB. Stakeholders such as building owners and contractors can ensure proper maintenance of internal drainage systems, and implement flood protection measures according to stipulated guidelines to better protect their properties, it added. Meanwhile, the Syed Alwi Pumping Station has brought more verdancy to the Rochor area, with features like a green roof and green wall. Coming up next to it is an open plaza that will provide a recreational space integrated with nearby Build-To-Order development King George's Heights, which is under construction. As part of efforts to protect Singapore's coasts from sea-level rise, the Republic has divided its coastline into eight stretches, and is conducting separate studies on them to determine the most suitable ways to protect each stretch from future rising seas. Where possible, these solutions will be multifunctional, enhancing the environment and supporting better land use, said Ms Fu. She added that PUB will soon launch a risk assessment study to evaluate eight offshore islands' vulnerability to sea-level rise. This is an expansion of the work being done on the mainland, and more details will be revealed in a few days. Additional reporting by Shabana Begum Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Singapore to assess climate threats to Pulau Tekong, Southern Islands and more in sea level rise study by 2026
SINGAPORE, June 28 – Singapore will launch a study by 2026 to assess the risks of rising sea levels on selected offshore islands and explore suitable coastal protection strategies, its national water agency PUB said today. CNA reported that tender for the risk assessment study has been issued, and it will examine both the potential impact of climate change on these islands and the timeline for implementing defence measures. 'Rising sea levels will pose risks to Singapore's offshore islands,' CNA cited Hazel Khoo, director of PUB's coastal protection department. 'Some are home to rich biodiversity and heritage, and are spaces enjoyed by many, while others serve industrial and defence purposes.' PUB said eight islands were selected based on a preliminary assessment of their vulnerability: Pulau Tekong, the Southern Islands (St John's and Lazarus), Kusu Island, Sisters' Islands (Pulau Subar Laut and Pulau Subar Darat), Pulau Bukom, Pulau Hantu, Pulau Pawai, and Pulau Senang. Other islands not included in the study will be assessed as part of broader development or planning initiatives by respective agencies. Pulau Ubin and Pulau Ketam will be covered in a future site-specific study for the north-eastern coast, including Punggol and Pasir Ris, while Semakau Landfill will be evaluated by the National Environment Agency for potential development. According to the third National Climate Change Study published in January 2024, sea levels around Singapore could rise by up to 1.15 metres by 2100, and up to 2 metres by 2150 under high emissions scenarios, based on UN climate data. PUB is also conducting site-specific coastal protection studies on the mainland, including areas along the city-east coast, Jurong Island, and both sections of the north-west coast, with studies for Sentosa and the south-west coast set to begin by 2026. PUB said the study's findings will also shape the planning of future, more detailed research on the islands.
Malay Mail
9 hours ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Singapore to assess climate threats to Pulau Tekong, Southern Islands and more in sea level rise study by 2026
SINGAPORE, June 28 – Singapore will launch a study by 2026 to assess the risks of rising sea levels on selected offshore islands and explore suitable coastal protection strategies, its national water agency PUB said today. CNA reported that tender for the risk assessment study has been issued, and it will examine both the potential impact of climate change on these islands and the timeline for implementing defence measures. 'Rising sea levels will pose risks to Singapore's offshore islands,' CNA cited Hazel Khoo, director of PUB's coastal protection department. 'Some are home to rich biodiversity and heritage, and are spaces enjoyed by many, while others serve industrial and defence purposes.' PUB said eight islands were selected based on a preliminary assessment of their vulnerability: Pulau Tekong, the Southern Islands (St John's and Lazarus), Kusu Island, Sisters' Islands (Pulau Subar Laut and Pulau Subar Darat), Pulau Bukom, Pulau Hantu, Pulau Pawai, and Pulau Senang. Other islands not included in the study will be assessed as part of broader development or planning initiatives by respective agencies. Pulau Ubin and Pulau Ketam will be covered in a future site-specific study for the north-eastern coast, including Punggol and Pasir Ris, while Semakau Landfill will be evaluated by the National Environment Agency for potential development. According to the third National Climate Change Study published in January 2024, sea levels around Singapore could rise by up to 1.15 metres by 2100, and up to 2 metres by 2150 under high emissions scenarios, based on UN climate data. PUB is also conducting site-specific coastal protection studies on the mainland, including areas along the city-east coast, Jurong Island, and both sections of the north-west coast, with studies for Sentosa and the south-west coast set to begin by 2026. PUB said the study's findings will also shape the planning of future, more detailed research on the islands.
CNA
a day ago
- Climate
- CNA
Singapore to study measures to protect 8 offshore islands against rising seas
SINGAPORE: A study on the impact of rising sea levels on some of Singapore's offshore islands is expected to start by 2026. This risk assessment study will also explore potential coastal protection measures and timelines for these measures to be developed and implemented, said national water agency PUB on Friday (Jun 27). A tender for the study has been launched. The study was first announced by Sustainability and the Environment Minister Grace Fu at the opening of the Singapore International Water Week on Monday. "Strengthening flood adaptation and resilience is an urgent priority," said Ms Fu in a prerecorded message at the event. Singapore has over 60 offshore islands. PUB said on Friday that it had selected the eight based on its preliminary assessment of how sea level rise may impact them. The islands are: Pulau Tekong Southern Islands (St John's Island and Lazarus Island) Kusu Island Sisters' Islands (Pulau Subar Laut and Pulau Subar Darat) Pulau Bukom Pulau Hantu Pulau Pawai Pulau Senang Offshore islands not included in the study will be evaluated by agencies as part of their development plans or upcoming studies. PUB added that Pulau Ubin and Pulau Ketam will be included as part of its future site-specific study for the north-eastern coast, consisting of Punggol and Pasir Ris. Similarly, Semakau Landfill will be analysed by the National Environment Agency when it carries out a study on the island's development options. The third National Climate Change Study, released in January 2024, projected that mean sea levels around Singapore could rise by up to 1.15m by 2100. Based on the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's sixth assessment report, it also predicted a mean sea level rise of up to 2m by 2150 under a high carbon emissions scenario. PUB said that site-specific studies have commenced progressively on mainland Singapore, with four ongoing - at city-east coast, Jurong Island and both sections of the north-west coast. Studies for Sentosa Island and the south-west coast are due to start by 2026. Director of PUB's coastal protection department Hazel Khoo said: "Rising sea levels will pose risks to Singapore's offshore islands. Some are home to rich biodiversity and heritage, and are spaces enjoyed by many, while others serve industrial and defence purposes." "Through the (risk assessment study) and in collaboration with other public agencies and stakeholders, we aim to better understand the vulnerabilities of each island, so that we can plan forward and develop appropriate coastal protection measures. This will ensure that we preserve these precious spaces for current and future generations."
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Winnipeg Free Press
MPI applies for 2.07 per cent rate hike
Manitoba drivers will pay more to insure vehicles next year if a proposed rate hike is approved by the Public Utilities Board. Manitoba Public Insurance has requested a 2.07 per cent increase to its overall basic insurance rates starting on April 1, 2026. MPI says if PUB approves the increase, the average insurance cost of a private passenger vehicle would increase by $21 a year. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Satvir Jatana, CEO for Manitoba Public Insurance which has requested a 2.07 per cent increase to its overall basic insurance rates starting April, 2026. 'While the market remains volatile, and the cost of claims continues to rise, this rate request truly emphasizes MPI's commitment to keep auto insurance affordable for all Manitobans,' MPI president and CEO Satvir Jatana said in a statement on Wednesday. 'We are taking decisive action to manage these pressures as we continue to deliver value for our customers across the province.' However, based on what has happened in recent years, it's not certain whether the board will approve the MPI rate increase. Last year, MPI proposed a rate increase of three per cent, but that was rejected by the PUB, which imposed a 5.7 per cent increase. The PUB said the change was needed because even MPI's own calculations concluded it required a 6.77 per cent increase. While MPI requested no change to overall rates in 2023, the PUB ordered a five per cent increase. The PUB said last year it had reduced rates overall by more than 15 per cent during the previous five years while also approving rebates of more than $400 million in 2021 and 2022. Jatana said MPI is scrapping its $750 deductible and adding a $1,000 deductible, which will cost less. 'We're pleased to give customers the flexibility to maximize the affordability of their mandatory coverage by choosing a higher deductible, or to keep their existing coverage by selecting a lower deductible at an affordable price,' she said. 'Furthermore, a proposed overall increase of two per cent to our extension line of business, which includes products like rental vehicle insurance, additional third-party liability insurance and lower deductibles for basic insurance, will keep all products affordable.' Sundays Kevin Rollason's Sunday newsletter honouring and remembering lives well-lived in Manitoba. MPI is creating a new merit level for good drivers. Jatana said the new merit level of 20, under the Driver Safety Rating, will mean a savings of 53 per cent on the cost of automobile and driver insurance for the safest drivers. 'This is great news for Manitoba's safest drivers and we are proud that this fair and simple system allows us to recognize their contribution towards safer roads through incentives like discounts on insurance premiums,' she said. If approved later this year by the PUB, drivers would start paying the new rate anytime between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027, depending on when their insurance needs to be renewed. Kevin RollasonReporter Kevin Rollason is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He graduated from Western University with a Masters of Journalism in 1985 and worked at the Winnipeg Sun until 1988, when he joined the Free Press. He has served as the Free Press's city hall and law courts reporter and has won several awards, including a National Newspaper Award. Read more about Kevin. Every piece of reporting Kevin produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
