A sinkhole that appeared in Tanjong Katong on 26 July 2024, has led to significant disruptions and safety measures being implemented by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) and other authorities. Here’s what we know so far.
Incident Overview
The sinkhole, located near an active PUB construction site, was reportedly about 2m to 3m deep and could span two lanes of Tanjong Katong Road South. At 5:50 PM on that Saturday, workers noticed that a caisson ring in the shaft under construction had failed, leading to the subsequent collapse.
Response and Recovery Efforts
- PUB has filled the sinkhole with liquefied stabilised soil to enhance stability.
- Road reinstatement works will follow, with road closures in place until further notice.
- PUB began pumping water from the sinkhole at 9:45 AM the following day, completing the task by 1:20 PM.
Impact on Local Residents
The management of One Amber condominium, located nearby, stated they will hire independent engineers to assess their grounds as a precaution. They’re keen to ensure everything is safe given the sinkhole’s proximity.
Traffic Diversions in Place
According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), bus services 36 and 48 have been diverted. The LTA is also implementing robust traffic management systems to keep motorists informed about the situation.
Safety Checks Underway
Marine Parade’s Member of Parliament Goh Pei Ming has confirmed that further safety checks will involve ground radar scans to detect any undetected cavities, ensuring road stability before repairs and eventual reopening.
The authorities are committed to taking the necessary time to ensure safety before completing roadworks. Residents have expressed concerns, but active communication and safety assessments are underway.