Water pipe near Hougang carpark damaged during HDB upgrading works, leads to flooding

An HDB contractor damaged a water pipe while carrying out upgrading works at a carpark in Hougang on Dec. 12, causing flooding in the area.

Hougang Water Pipe Damage

The Housing & Development Board (HDB) stated that work has been halted and a review of work procedures will be conducted before the contractor resumes at the site. HDB was informed of the damage, which occurred during hacking works, around 10 a.m. on Dec. 12.

The National water agency PUB repaired the damaged pipe, located near Block 534 Hougang Street 52, by 1.45 p.m. on Dec. 12. According to PUB, the repair crew immediately isolated the leak and there was no impact to the water supply in the surrounding area.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and PUB indicated that enforcement action will be taken if necessary. The agency requires approval before any work that could potentially damage water pipes is started.

This incident follows a similar event in April 2024, where damage to a Newater pipe in Orchard Road led to a probe. The investigation found that Kian Hup Construction carried out hacking works near an exposed pipe without sufficient protective measures, resulting in a loss of approximately 2.1 million litres of Newater and a $40,000 fine for the contractor.