Two flooding incidents during Singapore’s recent monsoon surge have been attributed to either inadequate or poorly maintained drainage infrastructure in areas under the responsibility of developers or building owners, according to national water agency PUB.
In a statement posted on Facebook on 24 March 2025, PUB said it was aware of floods that occurred along Central Lane 3 near Marina Bay MRT station on 21 March and at the ground-floor lift lobby of Block 129 Bedok Reservoir Road on 23 March.
The first incident, PUB explained, took place on a paved road constructed to provide access to an adjacent worksite. Investigations revealed that no proper drainage system had been implemented to handle stormwater at the site.
In a video report by Stomp dated 23 March, water was seen rising to knee level as a person approached a stationary taxi with its wheels half-submerged.
The second incident occurred at a Housing Board block in Bedok. PUB found that the internal drains near the lift lobby had been choked with debris, leading to water accumulation during heavy rainfall.
Footage shared by Stomp showed water inundating a corridor and the lift lobby of the block.
“Both flooding incidents could have been prevented by implementing proper drainage measures and ensuring timely maintenance of the internal drainage system,” PUB said in its post.
The agency stated that it is working closely with the relevant authorities to address the issues identified at both locations.
PUB stressed that flood management is a shared responsibility, especially at the level of individual developments. The agency regularly collaborates with stakeholders such as developers and building owners to ensure that drainage systems are not only in place but also maintained.
It referred to its Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage, which sets out clear requirements. These include minimum platform and crest levels for buildings and the flood protection measures that must be implemented and regularly maintained.
The recent flooding coincided with a monsoon surge that had been forecast by the Meteorological Service Singapore. The surge, which lasted from 19 to 21 March, brought intense rainfall across the island.
PUB reported that several areas experienced rainfall levels exceeding Singapore’s monthly average for March. Jurong West recorded 318mm of rain over 19 and 20 March, while the eastern part of the island saw up to 298.4mm.
Singapore’s average rainfall for March typically stands at 209.7mm, according to PUB.
In a separate event on 20 March, PUB also reported flooding along a 15-metre stretch at the junction of Mountbatten Road and Jalan Seaview.
This flood lasted approximately two hours and was caused by a combination of heavy rainfall and high tide, which temporarily overwhelmed nearby canals and roadside drains.
Flooding was also reported within a nearby private property during the same period.
Heavy rain during the monsoon surge also caused delays at events, including the 2025 Porsche Singapore Classic golf tournament.
PUB encouraged the public to report flooding issues either through the One Service mobile app or by contacting its 24-hour hotline at 1800-CALL PUB (1800-225-5782).
“Managing flood risks is a collective effort,” PUB reiterated, noting its ongoing coordination with authorities and private stakeholders to enhance Singapore’s flood resilience.
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