World · Singapore Bureau
Upper Bukit Timah Canal upgrade boosts Singapore's flood defences
A major upgrade to the Upper Bukit Timah Canal has been completed, increasing its stormwater capacity by 30 per cent. The project represents a key step in enhancing flood resilience for the western catchment area.
LSN Singapore ·
The Public Utilities Board (PUB) has finished work on the Upper Bukit Timah Canal, a critical infrastructure improvement designed to better protect the region from flooding. The enhanced waterway can now handle significantly more stormwater runoff, with capacity expanded by approximately one-third compared to its previous specifications.
The upgrade addresses growing concerns about flood management as urbanisation and climate change increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events. By improving the canal's conveyance capacity, the project reduces inundation risks in surrounding residential and commercial areas during extreme weather.
Beyond the completed canal work, PUB has signalled plans to pursue additional flood mitigation strategies for the broader Bukit Timah catchment. These longer-term initiatives include investigating underground detention structures capable of temporarily storing excess stormwater during peak rainfall periods, offering a complementary approach to traditional above-ground drainage infrastructure.
The multi-layered strategy reflects Singapore's comprehensive approach to water management, integrating immediate infrastructure upgrades with forward-looking solutions to safeguard the island's growing population and economic assets.