Pumps put in place to combat flash floods at Chai Chee-Upp Changi junction

SINGAPORE - Two pumps were put in place to pre-empt future incidences of flooding at the junction at Chai Chee Road and Upper Changi Road, Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said in a Facebook post.

"To pre-empt flooding at the Chai Chee-Upp Changi junction, a pump was put in place. Contractor was on 24/7 activation and was activated on the day that the heavy rains came. It helped some," he said.

"Floods lasted for about 20 or so minutes based on the CCTV footage of the junction. But clearly there is a need for another pump. The second one was put in place yesterday," he said in the comments section of a Facebook photo album uploaded Nov 1 at about 4.50pm.

"These are interim measures. Road will be raised about 150mm so that cars should be able to clear the waters. We should get this done by end of year. Drains will be widened and deepened. Probably by first quarter of 2014," he said.

This comes after two incidences of flooding were reported in the area. On Wednesday, flooding was reported at the junction at Chai Chee Road and Upper Changi Road, as well as Marine Parade Market and Food Centre.

On Monday, floods were reported at the same junction at Chai Chee Road and Upper Changi Road.

Mr Tan, who is a Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency, said in a separate Facebook post that they are taking more steps to rectify the situation, and will provide more information once it's ready.