An Unexpected Flood Hits a Bukit Batok Coffee Spot
Picture a cozy coffee shop turned accidental water park: ankle‑deep streams, rubber boots, and a scramble to keep the business afloat. That’s what happened last Tuesday in Bukit Batok, South Singapore, and the staff are still feeling the ripple.
Why the Sudden Flood?
- The plumbing hasn’t been up to snuff for three years, and the problem has only gotten worse lately.
- One night, the outlet burst, letting tankfuls of water spill into the front‑counter area—no rain, no snow, just plain old garbage water.
- Stallholders had to shut the shop for safety, which means no steaming bowls or lattes for a while.
Inside the Story
“It’s like living in a giant swimming pool without the health‑&‑safety license,” laments He, the manager of a famed mala hotpot stall. He recalls the terror when the water rose above his ankles, forcing a sudden closure and a costly twelve‑day hiatus that knocked off more than $10,000 in revenue.
Even after the problem was “fixed” by Wednesday noon, the damage lingered. Overflowing water seeped onto tables and around the serving area—think of it as a fine art installation that nobody asked for.
Financial Repercussions
- The coffee shop offered a rent rebate during the downtime.
- However, stallholders still endured staff wages and other operating costs that kept the money flowing in the wrong direction.
Other Voices
Lin, another stallholder, agreed that the drainage woes have been chronic, citing two years of recurring leaks that have plagued the shop.
When pressed on the sudden flood‑out, the shop’s manager simply said the issue was “resolved” by mid‑afternoon the next day. It was a smooth explanation, but the anxiety of potential repeat flooding left many nap time through the next month’s coffee service.
Looking Ahead
Rest assured, the coffee club is improving the drainage, but the staff remain 100% cautious, with rubber boots at the ready. If you want to enjoy a cup of joe without the risk of a surprise dive, you’ll want to check that water level first, or perhaps bring your own inflatable float!
A safety hazard
Hawker Chaos: Floods, Slip‑Ups, and Stinky Dilemmas
Wobbly Days on the Stall Floor
Stallholders are already scratching their heads over how frequent flooding is turning into a real safety nightmare. One night, a chef had a tumble that hit a fridge—poor guy! Luckily, he’s spending the rest of the day resting at home with only a few bruises.
More Slips, Less Sips
A female assistant at an economy rice stall tried her luck again and slipped, one more time. Meanwhile, a coffee shop worker wasn’t spared either. These images of falling around the stalls are getting a bit too common.
Customers Leaving the Scene
One elder regular told Shin Min that the odor from the stalls was so bad, it literally made him lose his appetite. He left after just five minutes—no one needs to feel like they’re eating in a swamp.
Another joint customer had to tip‑toe through the coffee shop, constantly checking the floor for hidden puddles.
Drains Gone Wild on Clementi West Street
Last month, sewage from a bathroom apparently flooded a coffee shop on Clementi West Street 2, causing the owners to brace for disaster. They lost a ton of food because they feared contamination.
The owner of that troublesome shop told a Chinese daily that the spill was due to a nearby sewer well blockage. “The water was dirty and stank mad. We couldn’t let more folks in after one of them slipped,” she recalled.
Patrons Respond in Two Shades
Some customers on the fence about the flooding: One regular said it didn’t bother him because he sat far from the chaos, while another expressed worry over food hygiene.
More Slogans & Reporters on the Beat
Check out how people are handling clogged pipes at void decks and the broader implications for safety and food quality.
