Flash Floods: Is This Going To Be A Regular Thing, PUB? (Part Two)

Read the first part here.

Bukit Timah, Orchard, then widespread floods over different parts of island: within a mere span of a single year Singaporeans have had to come to terms with the fact that our country is no longer spared from the onslaught of flash floods that has struck time and time again. We are irritated, annoyed; and more importantly, uncertain. The next time – in the midst of showers – when we are rushing for an important examination, zipping off for an important appointment, or simply heading out of home or opening for business, we wonder: “is it going to strike again”?

Here are some important questions that many Singaporeans have in mind after the series of flash floods; especially directed towards the Public Utilities Board (PUB) after multiple assurances that things are under control.

Why has the PUB shouldered the responsibility for the floods, yet chosen not to apologise? Every young child is taught that if he or she has done something wrong, it would only be right for the individual to acknowledge his or her error before apologising. Over the series of unfortunate flash floods the PUB has perpetually reflected that oversights and mismanagement of the agency had contributed to the inconveniences caused; however, its administration has stopped short at making a public apology. The PUB might perceive an apology as being demeaning or humiliating; on the contrary, it provides a moral assurance that the organisation is sincere in its approach and has the necessary responsibility to rectify the mistakes.

How does the PUB feel and think about the immense damage – to infrastructure, properties and businesses – and terrible inconveniences caused? While PUB’s supposed incompetence has been the main focus after the floods, the sub-text of the story goes largely unnoticed: millions of dollars have been swept away, commuters had to deal with unexpected delays and loss of valuable time, residents had to contend with immersed vehicles and flooded homes et cetera. Is the PUB taking any constructive measures to provide assistance in terms of facilitating recovery, comprehending the true extent of damages on the ground, or processing claims from those affected?

Are the recent flash floods, especially the second one this year, the result of complacency and misplaced confidence? Had the preventative measures been insufficient? Would the public be right to assume that since the PUB frequently revisits the same statistics and data in its press releases, that not enough studies or checks were conducted after the Bukit Timah and Orchard flash floods to ascertain the true extent of the problems?

Is the PUB working more closely with the National Environment Agency (NEA) to monitor variable weather conditions? It seems obvious that with climate change and increasingly volatile weather conditions, the PUB should have worked more closely with the NEA and its professional group of meteorologists to be more prepared for exceptionally high rainfall levels. PUB could have determined several high-risk areas – usually those on low-lying ground – and conducted extra checks and heighten safety methodologies all-around.

Should the PUB work more closely with news agencies to provide more timely reports on flood updates and issues on area accessibility? If the floods are going to have significant ramifications, PUB has the responsibility to update Singaporeans on the extent of the floods and damages so that we can be more prepared and ready before unknowingly heading into areas that have been badly affected. In such a way, help can also be rendered more quickly to accidents that might have occurred.

How certain is the PUB in terms of guaranteeing the success of the short-term and long-term solutions that have been suggested or undergoing implementation? Would money be going down the drain? The PUB has reported a multitude of plans and proposals that would improve the drainage systems and render Singapore more prepared for heavy rainfalls, so it would only be appropriate for the agency to reveal whether such endeavours – past and present – have yielded the desired benefits. Furthermore, would the PUB consider establishing a panel or commission to independently evaluate the current background of problems, before developing a more wholesome action plan for Singaporeans to feel safe and secure from floods once again?