Last year, the Marinparaire water pipe burst, causing about two Olympic swimming pool-sized water to flow to nearby HDB flats and road sections, blocking the passage of vehicles and residents, causing a lot of waste of water resources. The contractor caused the disaster started construction without the approval of the Public Utilities Bureau. The excavator accidentally destroyed the water pipe and was fined nearly 50,000 yuan.

At about 11:40 am on October 4, 2024, the pedestrian bridge near the 67th HDB flat in Malin Passage started an elevator installation project. A 300mm tap water pipe broke, causing mud to flood the road and the floor of the HDB flat, like a vast ocean, with the water level close to the knee. The incident lasted for about four hours, with residents and vehicles blocking their travel, and one of the elevators broke down due to mud and water seepage, and the business of a convenience store was affected.

After the incident, some residents chose to take a detour, while others chose to step on the fence to avoid the accumulation of water. (Archive Photo)

After the incident, some residents chose to take a detour, while others chose to step on the fence to avoid the accumulation of water. (Archive Photo)

The Public Utilities Bureau issued a statement on Friday (March 14) saying that construction company Pal-Link was fined $49,000 for damage to a drinking water pipe and construction in the water pipe corridor without prior approval, causing about 1.1 million gallons of water (the size of two Olympic swimming pools) to flow to the nearby HDB flat area. The company was fined $49,000 on Tuesday (March 11).

According to the Public Utilities Bureau investigation, Pal-Link did not comply with the provisions of the Public Utilities Act and did not apply for approval in advance before installing a temporary underground retaining structure near the main water pipe area. During the construction process, the excavator dispatched by Pal-Link damaged the water pipe buried 1.8 meters underground.

Although the Public Administration quickly remedy after the water pipe burst, traffic on Still Road South was blocked for more than 30 minutes, and the leftmost lane was forced to be closed for more than one day to urgently carry out complex restoration projects, and it was not fully accessible until the next day.

Further reading

Marin Bailey water pipe burst suspected to be caused by a worker driving a pile

Marin Bailey water pipe burst suspected to be caused by a worker driving a pile

Malin Bailie water pipe burst, elevator seepage and shut down the operation of elderly people saying it is inconvenient

Malin Bailie water pipe burst, elevator seepage and shut down the operation of elderly people saying it is inconvenient

The pedestrian bridge next to the 67th HDB flat in Marin Passage is still underway on Friday (March 14). (Photo by Xie Zhiyang)

The pedestrian bridge next to the 67th HDB flat in Marin Passage is still underway on Friday (March 14). (Photo by Xie Zhiyang)

The Public Utilities Bureau stressed that the authorities view such incidents solemnly. Damage to water pipes will not only cause a large amount of water resources, but also cause economic losses, causing interference and inconvenience to the public. Before construction near the water pipe area, the contractor should act cautiously in accordance with the plans formulated by the Public Utilities Bureau and ensure that safety precautions are implemented.

According to the Utilities Act, damaging major water pipes or connecting pipes with a diameter of 300 mm or more can face a fine of up to RMB 200,000, or jail for up to three years, or both. If the contractor is not approved to construct near the main water pipe, he or she may face a fine of up to RMB 10,000.