Monsoon Wreaks Havoc

In Singapore, a relentless monsoon surge has wreaked havoc on outdoor businesses, leaving them grappling with staggering losses of up to 50%. This unexpected deluge over the past two days has particularly affected stall owners at the popular Kampong Gelam Ramadan bazaar, leading to significant financial strain as they brace for the culmination of the event on March 25.

Authorities issued flood warnings on Monday, anticipating flash floods due to continuous heavy rainfall beginning midweek. The national water agency PUB reported astonishing rainfall figures, with Jurong West recording an overwhelming 318mm and parts of the east reaching 298.4mm, shattering Singapore's typical monthly average of 209.7mm for March.

Flooding has been reported at key locations, including a troublesome stretch at the intersection of Mountbatten Road and Jalan Seaview, which experienced two hours of standing water on Thursday. As Singapore prepares for the weekend, travelers have been advised to reconsider non-essential travel plans, particularly to Johor, due to heavy traffic compounded by both the school holidays and persistent rain.

Dramatic Sales Drop Among Vendors

Vendors at Kampong Gelam Bazaar expressed serious concerns about the sudden downturn in sales. Mai, a representative from the beverage stalls Teh-Ohhh and Tebu, lamented a remarkable drop to “maybe half of what we usually earn.” In a bid to adapt, many stall owners are pivoting to online sales and innovative menu offerings to mitigate their losses. Mai noted that while rain might serve as a temporary respite for hardworking vendors, it's also a reminder of the uncertainties ahead.

Another stall owner, Haikal, who's famous for his Ramly burgers, took extra measures to accommodate customers by purchasing umbrellas. However, he acknowledged the struggles of enticing visitors amidst the rain. Innovative solutions have been implemented at the bazaar, such as installing "rain curtains" to shield customers and employing gutters to ensure food quality remains uncompromised.

Restaurants Feeling the Strain

Restaurants like LeVel33, a renowned craft brewery and dining establishment with a spectacular view from the 33rd floor of Marina Bay, are also bearing the brunt of the weather. The restaurant has seen a notable decrease in walk-ins and reservations due to the inclement weather, with approximately a 15% decline in sales reported.

Martin Bem, the founder, described the current environment as particularly tough, emphasizing the impact of external conditions on the food and beverage sector. Despite the challenges, LeVel33 recently earned a Guinness World Record as the world’s highest microbrewery in a building, adding to its allure for guests. Switching some reservations indoors has been a requisite, along with a dynamic reworking of their menu to keep patrons engaged.

Looking ahead, Bem hopes that Singapore’s upcoming 60th birthday celebrations will provide a much-needed boost in business, as both locals and tourists flock to the city-state. While the gloomy economic outlook remains a concern, he expressed optimism, stating, “We’ve experienced challenging times before and are positive about moving forward.”

Conclusion

As the monsoon continues to impact Singapore’s economy, businesses are finding resilience in innovation and community support. Vendors hope that as the weather clears, customers will return, restoring the vibrant atmosphere that characterizes both the Kampong Gelam Bazaar and outdoor eateries across the city.