Tanjong Katong sinkhole investigations could take 'several months' due to incident's complexity: BCA

Investigations into the sinkhole that formed along Tanjong Katong Road South could take several months to be completed, given the complexity of the incident, said the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

BCA will be conducting an independent investigation to examine the circumstances leading to the formation of the sinkhole, identify root causes and take necessary actions against any non-compliance under Singapore law, said the agency in a Jul. 28 statement.

It said:

"Given the complexity of the incident, the investigations could take several months to complete. It will include detailed geotechnical analysis and other validation tests by BCA and its appointed consultants."

Stop work order issued: BCA

After the gaping sinkhole formed near an existing PUB worksite at around 5:50pm on Jul. 26, relevant agencies and workers have been working around the clock for recovery and repair operations.

BCA provided an update on the actions taken to stabilise the ground situation at the site.

BCA said construction works on site were halted and a stop work order has been issued to the builder and a supervising qualified person to implement safety measures.

These include cordoning off the affected area, inspections of nearby buildings, backfilling the sinkhole and adjacent shaft, and carrying out geophysical surveys to detect underground voids.

The backfilling works were completed on the morning of Jul. 28, BCA said.

BCA has recommended that PUB implement a safety time-out for similar sewer construction projects in Singapore, and review its current practices and safeguards at these worksites thoroughly.

BCA also said it has been monitoring the surrounding buildings, roads and infrastructure since the incident to ensure they are structurally safe.

Previously, BCA said its engineers had carried out preliminary checks on the nearby One Amber condominium and the landed houses across the road.

The assessments confirmed that the buildings are not affected by the incident.

The One Amber condominium management will also be appointing independent engineers to assess its grounds, especially areas that are in close proximity to the sinkhole, CNA reported.

Related

Top image from Goh Pei Ming/Facebook & social media