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Today, I was at Paterson Road in the early morning when it began raining heavily and guess what? Orchard Road was flooded yet again but this time, up to the knee level only. This is the second flooding in two weeks!
I have to say as much as I laud the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) US$26.7 million makeover of Orchard Road, perhaps the STB should have factored in improving the district’s infrastructure as part of the revamp.
As the recent flood had shown, Orchard Road resembled more like a retail nightmare two years on, causing millions of dollars in losses to retailers.
In addition, it had many Singaporeans wondering if a culture of complacency had begun to set in the civil service sector, as this was the third serious flooding in a year.
The Public Utilities Board’s (PUB) explanation of a blocked drainage system at Stamford Canal has so far been less than satisfactory with its CEO, Khoo Teng Chye, explaining that he had been “caught off guard”. He stopped short of apologising to the affected retailers.
Many Singaporeans on cyberspace also wondered why Minister for Environment and Water Resource Yaacob Ibrahim was not present at the press conference, since he is the overall Minister-in-charge.
One would have thought the authorities would have taken a more proactive stance after the flooding incident in Bukit Timah that had left many stranded.
While Orchard Road is definitely buzzing with the opening of new malls like ION Orchard and 313@Somerset, it appears all the revamp is literally going down the drain.
This has certainly put a dent on Orchard Road’s image, especially coming hot on the heels of the recovering economy and the opening of the two integrated resorts.
In the meantime, I am watching with bated breath if the retailers will be taking any sort of legal action against the PUB.
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Reader Comments (14 comments)
I agree with you RN.
Orchard Road wasn't the only place affected during the recent heavy downpour. Many suburban areas were also severely flooded. The relevant authorities need to do something about this as it reflects badly on Singapore.
Nice one Edward. Now, dat something you don't see everyday. Authorities should do something about it. I heard from the news that the rainy season is just getting started.
@Ann Li and Sherwin: Hope they do something about it, really fast. Maybe they want to convert Orchard Road into a wakeboard attraction or canoe attraction. :)
Next attraction --> Orchard Road = Orchard River? (Just read it somewhere :))
Is it a good sign in feng shui if Wendy's was submerged in water on its premiere week?
Flooding in Orchard Road is a no-no. It's unimaginable but it happened!
My heart goes to the retailers! Imagine, millions of losses because of an hour of rain?!
Please don't wait for the next heavy raining, Mr. Khoo Teng Chye.
Very well said, Marshall. Going there with the risk of flooding is a no, no. I wont risk myself nor my family's safety there. If it is a top spot to visit for foreigners, authorities hould do something about it, asap.
I agree with Edward, this will definitely affect the number of people going there.. sooner or later it will not be as popular as it used to be. The government must do something about it...
Even Orchard road is a place to visit in the country. I believe this flood will definitely affect the number of people going there.
Orchard Road need new look and new publicity.
Good statement made. But I believe our government will be more concern than you or others. I also believe flood or no flood. Orchard road will still be Singapore top spot to visit especially foreign visitors.