Ohin Construction Charged Over Tanjong Katong Sinkhole, June 11

Singapore authorities charged Ohin Construction and six individuals on June 11 over the Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole that opened on July 26, 2025, causing a car to fall into the pit. The driver was rescued by workers and taken to hospital. The Building and Construction Authority, Ministry of Manpower, and Land Transport Authority completed their investigation and filed charges under the Building Control Act and Workplace Safety and Health Act.

What Went Wrong at the Construction Site

Ohin Construction was hired to conduct ground support and stabilisation works for a 16-meter-deep shaft project to connect sewer lines. The company allegedly constructed 27 jet grout piles with smaller diameters than approved plans specified and failed to carry out mandatory tests for penetration and strength. The firm also created unauthorised openings in reinforced concrete caisson rings and cast one ring in a non-circular shape instead of the required uniform circle.

Charges Filed Against Seven Parties

Ohin Construction faced eight charges, mostly under the Building Control Act and Workplace Safety and Health Act. Six individuals were also charged, including managing director Ivan Ong Khiaw Yang (64), project director Raajkumar Nadarajan (58), and project manager Sellappan Saravanakumar (35). Two qualified persons and a resident engineer were charged as well. The company is now provisionally liquidated.

Oversight Failures and Supervisory Lapses

Authorities found that Ohin Construction failed to notify relevant agencies of a road depression that occurred days before the sinkhole formed. The firm also made false declarations about the appointment of a site supervisor and did not maintain an operational video surveillance system at the worksite. Works on the project remain halted until new structural plans are submitted and approved by the Building and Construction Authority.

Broader Safety Review Shows No Other Issues

The Building and Construction Authority reviewed more than 60 similar ongoing construction projects after the incident and found no structural safety issues. All projects had adequate safeguards in place. National water agency PUB and Surbana Jurong Consultants were given conditional warnings for offences under the Building Control Act. PUB has blacklisted Ohin Construction from future projects.

Final Thoughts

Ohin Construction and six individuals face prosecution for safety violations that led to the July 2025 sinkhole. The company’s provisional liquidation and project halt signal strict enforcement of building standards in Singapore.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.