Cases Where Parts of Building Facade have Dislodged and Cause of Decorative Features on Concrete Roof at Bedok Industrial Park Falling Off

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for National Development (a) in the past five years what is the number of cases where parts of a building facade have dislodged; (b) what is the cause of the incident that led to decorative features on a concrete roof at 3013 Bedok Industrial Park E falling off; and (c) whether there is a need to review and shorten the frequency of facade inspection for non-residential buildings.

Over the past five years, an average of 24 cases involving dislodged façade elements have been reported to the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) each year.

On 22 August 2021, a decorative feature on the rooftop of 3013 Bedok Industrial Park E dislodged and fell. Following the incident, BCA directed the building owner, JTC, to appoint a Professional Engineer (PE) to carry out a detailed investigation of the incident and to recommend rectification measures to be taken. As a safety precaution, the PE will also inspect adjacent buildings with similar features. Investigations are currently ongoing and are expected to be completed by end September 2021.

The Periodic Façade Inspection (PFI) regime will apply to buildings that are above 20 years old and 13 metres in height (or roughly four storeys). Façade inspections must be conducted by trained personnel every seven years. The PFI regime will take effect from early next year, and BCA will regularly review the corresponding requirements to ensure public safety.