Singapore legislation

Section 58

of Environmental Public Health Act 1987

Section 58

Drains, etc., to be kept in order at cost of owners

(1)

All drains or any appurtenance thereof must be altered, repaired and kept in proper order at the expense of the owners of the land and buildings to which the drains or appurtenance belong or for the use of which they are maintained.

(2)

The Director‑General may, by written notice, require the owner of any land or building to alter, repair or put any drain or any appurtenance thereof in good order in the manner required by the Director‑General.

(3)

In any case where an authorised officer is satisfied that an emergency exists and that it is necessary immediately to alter, repair or put in good order and condition any drain or any appurtenance thereto, the authorised officer may —

(a)

enter with any assistants and workmen that are necessary upon any land or building; and

(b)

do or cause to be done any alterations, repairs, works, acts or things that are necessary for any of the purposes under this subsection.

(4)

The expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred in so doing may be recovered from the person who is the owner of the land or building when the work is completed, and in default of agreement the amount of such expenses may be determined under section 89, and section 92 applies to the amount for which judgment is given.

(5)

Any person who constructs, rebuilds or unstops any drain or any appurtenance thereto, which has been ordered by the Director‑General to be demolished or stopped up or not to be made shall be guilty of an offence.