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Water prices in Singapore set to reflect rising delivery costs despite technological efforts, says Amy Khor

Water delivery costs are rising despite technology advancements, necessitating adjustments in water prices, says Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability on Monday.

Dr Khor noted in a Facebook post, “Like numerous countries today, Singapore confronts escalating costs in water production and distribution, influenced by inflation and construction expenses. Innovative technologies can only moderate these costs to a degree. Such costs will inevitably be incorporated into our water prices. Right-pricing, while expanding our water supply and regulating demand, ensures enduring water security for present and future generations.”

However, PUB’s reported Net Income of $2.4b over the last decade challenges Dr Khor’s statements on financial strains.

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1 year ago

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SINGAPORE: The cost of water delivery in Singapore is increasing and may persist in this trend despite the incorporation of innovative technologies. This likely escalation will be reflected in the country’s water prices, says Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment.

In her address at the 18th World Water Congress in Beijing on Monday (11 Sep), Dr Khor emphasized water’s strategic importance for Singapore.

For the last 60 years, Singapore has strived to diversify its water resources using the “four national taps framework” to bolster water security. These taps capture water from local catchment areas, imported sources, Newater, and desalination.

Via a Facebook post updating her address, Dr Khor stressed the critical role of investments in water infrastructure and technologies. “In Singapore, water has always been a strategic cornerstone. Over six decades, our dedication to expanding our water resources through the 4 National Taps has been unyielding. Steady investments in infrastructure and technologies have made this possible. By right-pricing water, we’ve managed to sustain these investments financially.”

Like many nations, Singapore faces rising costs associated with water production and distribution. Chief among these challenges are mounting inflation and construction expenses.

Singapore’s water pricing underwent its most recent adjustment in 2017, which led to a 30% increase over two years and sparked a protest at Hong Lim Park.

Dr Khor’s Congress address detailed Singapore’s stringent water security approach, focusing on long-term planning, developing regulatory frameworks, and fostering private sector innovation.

At the Congress, Dr Khor cited the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System as an exemplar, terming it a “super-highway for used water” designed for infinite water recycling.

Singapore also introduced the Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant, a pioneering large-scale dual-mode desalination facility. During dry periods, it processes seawater and in rainy conditions, it leverages rainwater from the Marina Reservoir, which is more energy-efficient.

A key development is Tuas Nexus, Singapore’s first integrated water and solid waste treatment facility.

Dr Khor highlighted the facility’s capacity to process food waste and used water sludge concurrently, leading to a 40% increase in biogas production and enhanced electricity generation. This electricity supports both facility operations.

Looking forward, Dr Khor unveiled a two-fold strategy. First, the national water agency, Public Utilities Board (PUB) will team up with utilities, tech providers, and researchers to propel water innovation. Second, major investments are essential for a resilient and long-lasting water supply.

In 2021, Singapore implemented floating solar photovoltaic systems in its reservoirs, aiming to sufficiently energize all local water treatment plants. The dual purpose of these reservoirs, as emphasized by Dr Khor, is water storage and electricity production.

Industrially, there are forthcoming mandatory water recycling norms for new projects in water fabrication, electronics, and biomedical sectors.

Dr Khor rounded off, saying, “By 2035, these initiatives might yield daily water savings comparable to 15 Olympic-size swimming pools.”

Elaborating on her Facebook post, Dr Khor noted, “Like numerous countries today, Singapore confronts escalating costs in water production and distribution, influenced by inflation and construction expenses. Innovative technologies can only moderate these costs to a degree. Such costs will inevitably be incorporated into our water prices. Right-pricing, while expanding our water supply and regulating demand, ensures enduring water security for present and future generations.”

Yet, a scrutiny of the PUB’s annual reports reveals a Net Income of $2.4b after Government Grants and Contributions to the Consolidated Fund and Tax over the decade preceding FY2021. This puts Dr Khor’s assertions on financial constraints and potential price increments into question.

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Crime

Singaporean fugitive deported from Thailand, to be charged with drug trafficking

A Singaporean fugitive arrested in Thailand, was deported to Singapore on 19 September 2024 and faces drug trafficking charges. Authorities expect him to face the death penalty under Singapore’s tough drug laws for running a smuggling operation between Thailand, Australia, and Singapore.

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3 hours ago

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19 September 2024

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A 31-year-old Singaporean man, wanted for drug trafficking offences, was arrested in Thailand and deported to Singapore on 19 September 2024.

The fugitive, identified as Benny Kee Soon Chuan, was apprehended by Thai police at his residence near Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and will face charges in court on 20 September.

Kee, described as a high-level trafficker, ran a smuggling operation that trafficked crystal methamphetamine, ketamine, and Ecstasy to Australia and Singapore using Thailand as a transit hub, according to Pol Lt Gen Panurat Lakboon, secretary-general of Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB).

Cross-Border Investigation and Arrest

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of Singapore had issued an arrest warrant for Kee following investigations into two drug trafficking cases in December 2020 and November 2022.

He had been on the run since 11 April 2016, prompting CNB to collaborate with its international counterparts, including the ONCB. Thai authorities were tipped off by CNB on 12 August 2024, and after weeks of investigation, Kee was apprehended on 17 September.

Thai immigration officials revealed that Kee had entered Thailand earlier in 2024 using a Vanuatu passport.

Following his arrest, Kee’s Thai visa was cancelled, and assets worth 15 million baht (S$585,000), including luxury watches, gold pieces, and a luxury car, were seized during a raid on his residence in Samut Prakan.

Lt Gen Panurat confirmed that the fugitive had been living an affluent lifestyle in Thailand despite lacking legitimate employment.

Links to Broader Drug Network

Kee is believed to be linked to other Singaporean traffickers involved in the smuggling of drugs from Thailand.

In March 2021, Thailand’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force (AITF) intercepted packages containing Ecstasy and ketamine destined for Singapore, as well as crystal methamphetamine bound for Australia.

Two other Singaporean men, aged 21 and 29 at the time of their arrests, were later sentenced to imprisonment and caning in Singapore for their involvement in these operations, which were connected to Kee’s trafficking network.

Death Penalty Under Singaporean Law

Kee’s deportation to Singapore brings him under the jurisdiction of Singapore’s severe drug laws, which prescribe the death penalty for those convicted of trafficking substantial amounts of controlled substances.

Singaporean authorities have indicated that he could face the death penalty under the country’s strict drug trafficking laws. Pol Lt Gen Panurat indicated that Singaporean authorities are expected to seek the maximum penalty for Kee’s alleged offences.

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Arts & Culture

Epigram Books to close SAM bookshop amid low sales and footfall

Epigram Books will shut down its bookshop at the Singapore Art Museum on 26 January 2025, citing low sales and foot traffic. The independent bookstore, known for supporting local authors, will continue to operate its online store, but its future in brick-and-mortar retail is uncertain.

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3 hours ago

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19 September 2024

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Epigram Books, a major supporter of Singaporean literature, will close its Epigram Coffee Bookshop at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) on 26 January 2025.

The decision comes after years of struggling with low sales and foot traffic at the Tanjong Pagar Distripark location, marking the end of the bookstore’s three-year lease.

The announcement on 19 September follows Times Bookstores’ closure of its final outlet in Holland Road, highlighting the growing challenges faced by brick-and-mortar bookstores in Singapore.

Edmund Wee, publisher at Epigram Books, expressed disappointment, stating: “We tried everything to make this work. Over the past three years, we’ve often asked ourselves, how many people even knew our bookstore existed here, let alone visited?”

Despite efforts to boost traffic, including operating shuttles to increase accessibility, the bookstore struggled to attract visitors consistently.

Epigram Coffee Bookshop, previously located at the Urban Redevelopment Authority Centre on Maxwell Road and later in a pop-up at Beach Road, relocated to SAM in May 2022 in partnership with Balestier Market Collective.

The 20-seater store featured towering shelves showcasing local and Southeast Asian titles, including books from other independent publishers like Ethos Books and Math Paper Press.

However, the location’s industrial setting, which only saw spikes in visitors during major exhibitions like Olafur Eliasson’s, limited consistent footfall.

The closure coincides with the end of Eliasson’s exhibit on 22 September 2024. Although the exhibition provided a temporary boost to the bookshop’s sales, Epigram noted that the increased traffic was short-lived.

Epigram’s future in physical retail remains uncertain. Mr Wee indicated that high rental costs make reopening a physical store unlikely: “Unless rent prices relent, it’s unlikely we’ll move into another space.”

Epigram Books has been a significant presence in Singapore’s independent book scene, promoting local authors and holding literary events.

The bookshop was also a community hub for the literary arts, hosting numerous book launches and events supporting local writers. “These spaces are special to our literary arts community. They’re where book lovers gather, where literary events and book launches happen in support of our writers,” said Mr Wee.

Despite the closure of the SAM store, Epigram will continue to operate its online store. The publisher emphasized the need for continued support from readers: “We’ve come this far with everyone’s support, and we look forward to continued support from our readers as we transition to focus on online sales.”

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