What effect will the development of Bukit Brown have on flooding?

Letter from Chong Ja Ian Today Online 11 Feb 12;

The Environment and Water Resources Ministry recently released the "Report on Key Conclusions and Recommendations of the Expert Panel on Drainage Design and Flood Protection Measures".

The report states: "Urbanisation has undoubtedly led to an increase in storm water runoff in Singapore. There is therefore a strong argument for introducing measures to mitigate the effects of such urbanisation."

The report also indicates the importance of modelling and analysis in understanding and mitigating the effects of urbanisation on flooding.

In this regard, I ask the Urban Redevelopment Authority, Land Transport Authority and related agencies to share with the public their studies on the effects of road building and future development at Bukit Brown Cemetery on flooding.

It would also be helpful if the relevant bodies could specify their plans, based on this research, to address any flooding that may arise.

If such a study is not ready for release, it would be useful if the agencies could say when it would be and how they intend to act on its findings.

Such environmental impact studies are common to many large-scale construction and development projects around the world.

Making such information available would help members of the public who may be affected by plans to develop Bukit Brown.