Singapore’s investments in measures to prevent flooding must be just as effective in managing the other extreme weather condition - droughts. Environment and Water Resources Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said this at a community driven recycling event, ECo Day Out at South West on Sunday.
The environment minister pointed out during the event that the variability in the weather has been greater, which means more intense rain and possible dry spells.
This is something that the panel of experts that is reviewing flood protection should bear in mind, said Dr Balakrishnan.
He said: “A prolonged drought is something which is of greater worry to me than a flash flood, which can be resolved over 15 minutes to half an hour. One key point which I’m watching is to make sure that a lot of the recommendations that have been put by panel would also make sense if we have to deal in future with dry seasons or with droughts.
“So for instance, having green roofs, having detention ponds, having close water cycle loops, using water more efficiently at a local level. For example, do we really need potable water fit for drinking to be used for washing cars, to clean the streets, to water our plants?”
The panel of experts on anti-flood measures submitted its report earlier on Tuesday.
Some of the other recommendations by the flood panel include the use of rooftops and more porous pavements.
While the Environment Minister agrees with all the recommendations, he said there might be some issues translating them into reality.
Dr Balakrishnan said: “It means getting the finances, and equally important, there are also trade-offs involved. For instance, land and alternative uses for that land.
“It does take some time to make sure we have considered all the factors and come up with a plan which is realistic, which is implementable and one which the public will agree is worth the money that will be spent on these plans.”
He added that the national water agency, PUB, will have its hands full in fixing the flood problem.
The improvement works at Liat Towers and Lucky Plaza must be completed within three months. It also has about six months to decide if it should go ahead to build detention ponds, as well as where they will be located.
The Stamford Canal will be checked to see if its current capacity is really maximised within nine months, and by the end of the year, an accurate digital elevation map of Singapore should take shape.
