Jalan Besar is a low-lying area that faced flooding from the 2000s to 2010s, PUB said in a press release on Monday, noting that drains along Syed Alwi Road were already upgraded in 2014.
The road level was also raised to mitigate flooding in the area, and Rochor Canal was widened and deepened in 2015 to increase its drainage capacity, the press release read.
This enhanced flood protection in nearby areas, including Veerasamy Road, Hindoo Road and Desker Road.
Upgrading drainage infrastructure and raising the ground levels through redevelopment is not always feasible, as this depends on the site’s limitations and land availability, said Ms Gayathri Kalyanaraman, deputy director of drainage planning at PUB’s catchment and waterways department.
The Jalan Besar area illustrates this challenge, she added, noting that the drains and canal have already been upgraded, but any further enhancements would not be effective due to the area’s low-lying topography.
“In consideration of the many heritage buildings in this area, the Syed Alwi pumping station is an alternative approach to provide adequate flood protection for the area without the need for redevelopment or to raise ground levels,” she said.
