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SINGAPORE \u2013 An HDB contractor carrying out upgrading works at a carpark in Hougang accidentally damaged a water pipe at a footpath on Dec 12, which resulted in flooding. <\/p>\n
In response to Straits Times queries, HDB said works have stopped for now, and there will be a review of work procedures before the contractor restarts work at the site.<\/p>\n
HDB added that it was informed about the pipe \u2013 damaged during hacking works \u2013 at about 10am on Dec 12.<\/p>\n
National water agency PUB said the pipe, located near Block 534 Hougang Street 52, was repaired by 1.45pm on Dec 12.<\/p>\n
PUB said: \u201cA service crew was dispatched immediately to isolate the leak. Repair works were completed at 1.45pm on Dec 12. There is no impact to water supply around the surrounding area.\u201d<\/p>\n
It added that investigations into the incident are ongoing, and enforcement action will be taken if needed.<\/p>\n
As part of efforts to prevent damage to water pipes, PUB requires agencies and contractors, among others, to get approval before starting work. <\/p>\n
In April 2024, a damaged Newater pipe in Orchard Road triggered a probe, which found that the contractor, Kian Hup Construction, had carried out hacking works near an exposed pipe without enough protective measures.<\/p>\n
The incident resulted in a loss of about 2.1 million litres of Newater, and the contractor was later fined $40,000.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n