HOW SINGAPORE IS SOLVING ITS FLOOD PROBLEM

HOW SINGAPORE IS SOLVING ITS FLOOD PROBLEM

Singapore is now using “smart drains” to solve its flooding problem. These are not magic drains or science-fiction gadgets—they are simply well-engineered, sensor-equipped drainage systems that monitor rainfall, water levels, and flow rates in real time. When heavy rain comes, they automatically open gates or adjust flow channels to move excess water away from vulnerable areas.

Whatever Singapore is doing is not rocket science. Whatever they could do, we could also do. In fact, I am willing to bet that we have more engineers than Singapore—perhaps even better ones. The question is not about skill. The question is about honesty, governance, and planning. And here, I’m not so confident.

I am sure Singapore has better long-term planning than us. I am also sure their construction projects are not constantly interrupted by graft and corruption. That is why their drainage system is admired by most modern nations—and why we should be taking notes.

Singapore’s approach is not just about digging bigger drains. It’s a whole system:

·       At the source, they slow down water right where it starts—through green roofs, rain gardens, and retention ponds.

·       Along the pathway, they widen and deepen drains and canals to carry larger volumes.

·       At the receptor, they protect flood-prone areas with barriers, crest protection, and elevated platforms.

On top of that, pump stations in low-lying areas push excess water to reservoirs or directly to the sea. The whole system is linked to a central control network, allowing authorities to respond instantly. In other words, they don’t wait for the flood before acting—they see it coming.

They even involve their citizens. Residents help maintain drains, report blockages, and take part in flood awareness campaigns. This is another difference: in Singapore, people see public infrastructure as something to protect, not just to use and abuse.

With climate change making extreme weather more frequent, Singapore has future-proofed its drainage designs. Their Public Utilities Board constantly updates flood management strategies based on rising rainfall intensity and ongoing urbanization. Developers are also part of the solution—since 2014, all new or redeveloped sites must have on-site detention tanks or green infrastructure to slow water before it hits public drains.

Now, here’s my point: adopting this system in the Philippines is possible. It’s not an issue of engineering complexity—it’s about political will and proper governance. If we truly wanted to, we could send a technical mission to Singapore tomorrow. We could ask them to help us design a similar system tailored for Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, or any other flood-prone city.

Perhaps we could instruct our Embassy in Singapore to formally approach their government. It would cost less than the damage from just one big flood in Manila. And the benefits—saved lives, protected property, uninterrupted business—would last for decades.

The sad reality is that we keep reacting to floods instead of preventing them. We have the talent, we have the technology (or can get it), and we certainly have the need. What we lack is the discipline to think long-term and the integrity to execute without corruption eating away at every stage.

Singapore proves that floods in a dense, urban, tropical city can be managed effectively. The Philippines could do the same—if we stop making excuses and start making plans.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com

10-10-2025 

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