by MP for Aljunied GRC, Sylvia Lim
I wish to seek three clarifications on the Bill.
Water Tariff
The Minister in his Second Reading speech explained that our water supply system is becoming more sophisticated. I am concerned about Clause 5 of the Bill regarding the water tariff. This introduces some new provisions concerning the pricing of water which arouse suspicion that water prices are going to rise.
The new S 20(1A) ominously states that when the PUB is pricing water, it may take into consideration “all costs incurred in enabling it to…supply the water, included but not limited to collection and purchase of water, storage, treatment of water and maintenance and security of the water supply system.” In the current Public Utilities Act, the factors taken into account in pricing water are not spelt out. However, I recall that in the recent Committee of Supply debates for MEWR, Minister responded to Member for Aljunied Mr Low Thia Khiang’s cut on Water Tariff by mentioning some of the items now in 20(1A) as going into water pricing.
The insertion of S 20(1A) is particularly worrying as it is stated to be “subject to S 14” of the Act, which provides that the PUB must ensure that its total revenues are sufficient to meet its total outgoings as well as a reasonable proportion of the cost of developing the Board’s services.
Will Minister clarify whether this amendment is meant to signal any change in the way water is priced? Specifically, is the PUB intending to apportion more of the cost-sharing to consumers? What assurances do Singaporeans have that water supply will be affordable in the future?
Maintenance of water service installation
Under S 45(2) of the Act, a person responsible to maintain a water service installation which has a master meter and cisterns is to engage a professional engineer to inspect and maintain the system once in 60 months (5 years). This is to ensure that such systems on residential, commercial and industrial property are fit and safe for use, and free from contamination and leakage. Under Clause 15, the frequency of once in 5 years will be removed, giving the PUB discretion as to when to require the inspections. Though the explanatory note says this removal is to give flexibility to the PUB on the frequency of inspections, what is the intention behind the amendment? Will there be installations where inspections will now be carried out less frequently, and would there be an increased risk to public health?
Other Statutory Boards / Other Person to be involved / enhanced powers of investigation
Under Clause 4 of the Bill, the PUB will be able to appoint and authorise officers and employees of “any other statutory board” to be authorized officers, giving them duties and powers under the Act. It can also appoint “any other person” to perform duties or tasks under the Act. Under Clause 21, new sections 55A and 55B give authorised officers or persons vast powers of investigation including compelling witnesses to attend, taking statements, and entry into premises to search and seize evidence.
Tasks such as forced entry into premises, conducting searches and doing investigation work are confrontational by nature and have a lot of grey areas and decision points where discretion needs to be exercised in a lawful manner.
I would like to ask which other statutory boards or persons will be involved in performing such functions. In addition, what assurances will the public have that they are properly trained and accountable for the exercise of such powers?