The authorities are investigating possible signs of habitation at the bottom of a large drain in Bukit Panjang after photos of a double bed and personal items scattered around the drain surfaced on social media. The images showed a bed with a metal frame squeezed into the cramped passage, along with plastic bags, rubbish, and what looked like shoes.
Water agency PUB told The Straits Times today that it is “aware of the possible human dwellings in the drain along Kranji Expressway”, but the items have since been removed, and the case has been referred to the police.
It is believed that the drain is in the vicinity of West Spring Secondary School and Senja Road, near a construction site.
According to Shin Min Daily News, a construction worker claimed to have spotted three men living in the drain for about two to three months. The foreman of the construction site told the publication that all items and trash in the drain were removed last week.
Netizens speculated that whoever was living there could be homeless or an illegal immigrant.
In light of this, PUB sent out a reminder to say that “members of the public are not allowed to enter drains at all times for their personal safety”. Any individual who does so could be in “serious danger” if heavy rainfall in upstream locations cause “sudden and rapid water flow” into the drains.
Anyone caught entering waterways without prior approval can be fined up to S$3,000 (US$2,200).
