Some businesses in Orchard Rood wrecked by the recent flash floods may take at least four to six weeks to get their operations back up.
The flooding is gone but establishments especially those located at Liat Towers are still picking up the pieces.
At the American food chain Wendy’s, the damage is estimated to cost up to S$500,000.
“We would have to spend some time in re-doing up the outlet because in a way, it is going back to the drawing board. Everything has been affected by the flood. So we got to start from square one and we got to start doing up things again,” said Goh Wee Ling, corporate communications manager, Wendy’s.
It may take at least a month before the outlet can re-open for business.
Wendy’s 40-staff crew will be temporarily deployed to other outlets in Jurong Point and Lau Pa Sat, which will now open 24/7 in line with the 2010 World Cup Season.
Apart from Liat Towers, some businesses at Lucky Plaza are also facing the same dilemma and are not yet ready to open.
“This flood is quite unusual and it’s quite unfortunate that it happens once in 25 years. The association is very concerned and we sympathize with those retailers, especially those at Liat Towers and Lucky Plaza,” said Steven Goh, director of the Orchard Road Business Association.
Currently, the association is working hand in hand with government agencies and the relevant authorities on preventive measures.