Here stands a testament to Singapore’s constant battle with rain: The Drain Remains. Singapore gets about 92 inches of rainfall a year. This is more than cities like New Orleans or Seattle. All that rain has to go somewhere.
Singapore’s government has created an elaborate drainage system. This is due to the country’s flat terrain. The Central Business District is also close to sea level. This creates real flooding hazards.
The Drain Remains hint at this complex system. It includes 1,000 kilometers of canals and 7,000 kilometers of drains. You can see smaller drains all over Singapore. Many people pass over them daily.
Where does all this water end up? Singapore captures about two-thirds of the rainwater. It uses it for its drinking supply. This makes Singapore one of the few countries to harvest urban stormwater on a large scale for its water supply.
Look closely at the Drain Remains. This drainage system is truly remarkable. Mosses grow in the older drains. There is great cement work in many places.
Singapore will spend about S$150 million on drainage projects in 2025. This will improve flood resilience. There are 19 ongoing drainage upgrading projects. Six more are slated to commence in 2025.
Since 2011, the government has spent about S$2.5 billion to upgrade Singapore’s drainage infrastructure. Singapore has successfully reduced flood-prone areas from approximately 3,200ha in the 1970s to less than 25ha today.
However, it is neither practical nor prudent to keep building more drains. This would require significant land and financial resources.
The government is improving infrastructure. The community and businesses also undertake protection measures. This protects themselves and their properties.
These Drain Remains serve as a reminder. Singapore continually adapts to manage its environment. They highlight the constant effort to stay ahead of the challenges of nature. The drains may seem simple. They represent a vital part of Singapore’s infrastructure and its commitment to sustainability.