Written answer by Ministry of National Development on reported incidents involving users of nature areas due to adverse conditions and damaged infrastructure in past five years

Mar 3, 2023

Question No: 2790

Question by: Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) over the past five years, what is the number of reported incidents involving users of nature areas as a result of adverse weather conditions and damaged infrastructure; (b) how often are such structures maintained; and (c) whether the structures cater for increased load-carrying capacity given Singaporeans' rising interest in nature spaces. 

Answer:

From 2018 to 2022, there were two reported incidents of injuries to visitors to our nature reserves and nature parks due to adverse weather conditions. No incidents were reported due to damaged infrastructure in the same period.

2        To safeguard public safety, NParks puts out advisories to remind the public to avoid entering nature reserves and nature parks during and immediately after inclement weather. They should also seek cover at the nearest available shelter, should it rain when they are in the area.

3        NParks also conducts structural inspections for all public structures within our nature reserves and nature parks once every five years. In between scheduled inspections, NParks conducts monthly checks and additional inspections if there are prolonged periods of heavy rainfall, or upon receiving feedback on infrastructure-related issues. Following each inspection, NParks will carry out repair works as necessary.

4        NParks also monitors visitor levels in our nature reserves and nature parks to ensure that the carrying capacity of relevant structures is not exceeded. NParks will continue to expand the network of parks, including nature parks, so that Singaporeans have more options for nature-based recreation. This will also help to spread out the demand for such recreational experiences.