Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Drainage Planning and Flood Resilience

Question:

To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether an update can be provided on the $150 million drainage projects to improve flood resilience in FY2025; (b) how does our annual spend on flood resilience measures compare to other cities such as Tokyo and Hong Kong; and (c) what is the Ministry's drainage infrastructure plan for the next review cycle of 2026 to 2030.

Answer:

1. We last updated Parliament in February 2025 that Singapore would spend about $150 million on drainage upgrading projects in the Financial Year 2025 to protect against flooding. Of the then 19 ongoing projects, we have completed four projects, including the recently completed Syed Alwi Pumping Station. Of the then six projects slated to commence in 2025, we have commenced work on three projects. We are on track to commence the remaining three projects in 2025.

2. The Government has spent about S$2.5 billion since 2011 to upgrade our drainage infrastructure. This is about S$180 million annually. These infrastructure projects have helped to alleviate flood risks at the locations served by them.  It is not meaningful to compare with Hong Kong and Tokyo as the cities have different weather conditions, topography, and drainage infrastructure requirements.

3. We will be completing the review of our drainage infrastructure plan for the FY2026-2030 cycle in the coming months. This review will identify the key projects for the next five years.