According to a leaked official report over the flooding of train tunnels last week (Oct 7), SMRT is responsible for negligence in maintenance of the water pumping system. Chinese papers LianHe Zao Bao quoted from the report:
“The pump was not operable during a critial period due to a lack of maintenance.”
The Chinese papers said SMRT will transfer the staff-in-charge of the pumping system out of the department.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT have been silent on the cause behind the water pump failure that led to the flooding of train tunnels affecting stations between Bishan and Braddell. Train services between Ang Mo Kio and Newton were unavailable for more than a day, making the disruption the worst-ever in Singapore history.
Transport Ministers Khaw Boon Wan and Ng Chee Meng, SMRT CEOs Lee Ling Wee and Desmond Kwek are avoiding the media and refused to comment on the flooding incident.