Digging works for Phase 2 of Deep Tunnel Sewerage System completed

When operational by 2026, underground network will free up land for other use

- Cheryl Tan

Despite some delays from the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore is now a step closer to completing a 98km network of tunnels that brings the treatment of used water underground, freeing up land in the central and western parts of the island.

National water agency PUB on Monday concluded tunnelling works for the second phase of the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) - where link sewers convey used water from homes and industries to the deep tunnels, and then to the upcoming Tuas Water Reclamation Plant by gravity, without the need for pumping stations.

The treated used water is then purified to become Newater, which is used mainly for industrial cooling and air-conditioning purposes at wafer fabrication plants, industrial estates and commercial estates.

The tunnels will be operational by 2026, a year later than previously announced.

It will serve the western half of Singapore, including the downtown area and upcoming developments such as Tengah town and Jurong Lake District.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark this milestone, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, said that the second phase of the DTSS began in 2019, involving more than 5,000 workers at its peak.

"Four years and over 40 million man-hours later, we now celebrate the completion of this remarkable engineering feat," said Ms Fu, thanking those who had persisted through the Covid-19 years to work on the DTSS.

The ceremony in Jurong East was attended by more than 300 guests, including the pioneer engineers who started the project more than two decades ago.