The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has responded to queries raised by opposition party Red Dot United (RDU) regarding a slope failure along Bukit Batok West Avenue 2. The response follows RDU’s public call on 24 March 2025 for immediate safety measures at the site.
According to a Facebook update by RDU on 31 March 2025, SLA has clarified the actions taken since being alerted to the incident on 21 March.
RDU acknowledged the response, stating, “We thank SLA for having worked on rectifying the issue since 21 March, and we hope to see a quick and permanent resolution soon.”
The incident occurred near a hillside forest edge opposite the Civil Service Club, along the park connector that runs parallel to Bukit Batok West Avenue 2.
The site lies within the newly delineated Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC, where RDU has been active in community outreach.
In its formal response dated 28 March 2025, SLA stated that it was informed of the slope erosion on 21 March and immediately carried out site works in coordination with the National Parks Board (NParks).
These included clearing fallen branches, removing vegetation, and cleaning the affected footpath area.
A professional engineer (PE) visited the site and made a preliminary assessment that the erosion was caused by water runoff resulting from prolonged rainfall. SLA explained that efforts to stabilise the slope were challenged by its steepness, which made access and protective coverage difficult.
Contractors worked with the PE to explore safe methods of accessing the slope.
While waiting for the canvas covering to be installed, the affected area was cordoned off.
SLA reported that the canvas was finally placed on 28 March 2025, accompanied by water barriers and sandbags positioned at the base of the slope.
“SLA will continue to monitor the affected area and work with our PE on the permanent slope rectification work,” the agency wrote in its reply.
In its latest public statement, RDU expressed appreciation for the swift action taken, while reiterating the importance of ongoing vigilance. The party wrote, “We are glad to do our part in ensuring checks and balances in Singapore’s governance and environmental management.”
The party also reminded residents to exercise caution when using the park connector in the vicinity. “Please be extra careful when you are using the park connector in that area,” the post advised.
RDU had previously expressed concern over the absence of visible safety measures at the site, such as wider cordons, canvas protection, and signage, when it was first alerted to the slope by a resident during outreach efforts.
The party’s initial correspondence to SLA and NParks raised questions about whether construction activity nearby may have contributed to slope instability. SLA’s reply did not directly address the role of adjacent works, but focused on natural causes such as rain-induced erosion and immediate remedial efforts.
This exchange underscores the role of opposition parties in highlighting local environmental and public safety concerns. RDU linked the issue to its broader policy platform in its Shadow Budget 2025, which calls for preserving green spaces and enhancing transparency in land-use decisions.
As permanent slope rectification measures are still being planned, the situation remains under monitoring. SLA has not indicated a specific timeline for the completion of long-term safety works.
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