Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Review of MOT and LTA Senior Staff Remuneration and Bonuses

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Transport in light of staff bonuses of the MRT operator's maintenance team being affected by the recent episode of MRT tunnel flooding, whether this episode will also affect the compensation paid to senior staff in the Ministry and LTA who have been tasked with oversight of the MRT operator and, if so, how.

Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:

1.     The responsibility for maintaining rail lines, including the flood prevention systems, lies with the operators. As the regulator, LTA sets the Operating and Maintenance Performance Standards, and carry out regular audits of the operators' maintenance regime and on-site inspections to ensure that these standards are complied with. LTA takes a risk-based approach and prioritises resources in areas which are most complex, have the highest risk of failure and which could potentially have the biggest impact on the rail network. The anti-flooding systems are not considered a high risk area as the constructs are relatively simple, easy to maintain and have ample provisions. 

2.     Nonetheless, on 29 Sep 2017, LTA did instruct SMRT to check the tunnel sump pump systems and surface a list of pumps requiring replacement to LTA. Unfortunately, the remedial actions were not taken in time. The flooding incident occurred before the replacement programme could be completed. There is no evidence of shortcomings or lapses in regulatory oversight by LTA or MOT staff.