Connect with us

Singapore

Singapore’s water prices to increase by 18% over next two years

Singapore’s PUB announced an 18% increase in water prices over two years, attributed to rising costs since 2017. This results in an extra 50 cents per cubic metre, split between 2024 and 2025.

It is estimated that most households will see their bills rise by under S$10 by 2025.

Published

12 months ago

on

Singapore’s national water agency, PUB, has announced a notable 18% hike in water prices over the next two years, in light of rising production and supply costs since 2017.

As of now, potable water for most households is priced at S$2.74 (US$2.01) for every 1,000 litres.

This price augmentation translates to an added 50 cents per cubic metre, divided over two increments: 20 cents in 2024 and 30 cents in 2025.

By 2025’s end, a majority of households will experience a minimal increase in their monthly bills, under S$10, PUB projected.

Businesses, on the other hand, will face diverse impacts. While three-quarters of them will witness less than a S$25 monthly hike, hawkers will see a moderate increment of less than S$15.

It is the households with larger water consumption, beyond 40 cubic metres a month, that are set to endure the most substantial surge in their water bills. Their rate will surge by 70 cents for every excess cubic metre consumed, amounting to S$4.39 by 2025.

Simultaneously, the price for NEWater — Singapore’s treated reclaimed wastewater used mainly for industry and cooling — will ascend by 17 cents, also in two stages.

PUB cited multiple reasons for this price surge, including a significant 37% rise in electricity market tariffs and a 35% spike in construction costs.

Other contributing factors include the escalating expenses for essential chemicals in water treatment and mounting maintenance costs.

Additionally, the agency also emphasized the rising operational costs and heavy investments required for water infrastructure, such as the second phase of the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System which costs S$6.5 billion, nearly double its first phase.

As Singapore faces the challenge of almost doubling its water demand by 2065, PUB is set to rely more on NEWater and desalinated water — two of its four primary water sources. Although resilient against extreme climate impacts, these sources are pricier to produce.

The PUB has rebuffed any suggestions of postponing this price surge, emphasizing that a delay would necessitate even steeper price hikes in the near future. According to PUB, this decision supports its commitment to ensure Singapore’s water security amidst climate change and burgeoning water demands.

In light of these changes, the government is set to introduce financial aid for lower- and middle-income households to alleviate the cost of living pressures. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will reveal more details on the upcoming support measures.

Moreover, the recent water price increment aligns with Dr Amy Khor’s speech at the 18th World Water Congress on 11 September.

The Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment highlighted Singapore’s continuous efforts over the past 60 years to bolster water security through its “four national taps framework”.

She noted that the cost of water delivery in Singapore is rising, and this trend may persist, despite the incorporation of innovative technologies, adding that this likely escalation will be reflected in the country’s water prices.

However, a closer look at PUB’s annual reports shows a Net Income of $2.4b after Government Grants and Contributions to the Consolidated Fund and Tax over the decade preceding FY2021. This finding challenges Dr Khor’s claims about financial constraints and the imminent price increments.

The last substantial revision in water prices was in 2017, resulting in a 30% increment over two years, which led to a public protest at Hong Lim Park and public outcry online.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

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.

Published

2 hours ago

on

19 September 2024

By

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Published

2 hours ago

on

19 September 2024

By

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.”

Continue Reading

Trending