Review of dry rising main servicing and inspection regime in residential blocks for reliable firefighting water supply

Question:

Dr Choo Pei Ling: To ask the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry will review the adequacy of the current servicing, testing and inspection regime for dry rising mains in residential blocks; and (b) what measures will be taken to ensure that fire-fighting water supply systems remain reliable under actual emergency operating conditions.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. Fire-fighting water supply systems, such as dry and wet rising mains, are among the fire safety provisions required under the Fire Code for residential buildings above 10 metres in height.

2. Building owners, Management Corporations Strata Title (MCSTs) and Town Councils are responsible for the regular maintenance of these systems, as well as ensuring that they are inspected on an annual basis. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) also conducts inspections to verify compliance with the Fire Code.

3. SCDF assesses that these requirements remain adequate, and will continue to work with building managers, including MCSTs and Town Councils, to ensure proper compliance.