Ensuring Buildings are Constructed with Materials Approved under Existing Regulations

Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for National Development in view of the recent investigation into buildings outfitted with combustible claddings, how does the Ministry ensure that (i) buildings are compliant for other types of building materials and (ii) suppliers of building materials comply with existing regulations.

Sir, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has a system in place to regulate the structural safety of buildings.

First, when submitting building plans for BCA's approval, Qualified Persons (QPs) who are either registered architects or professional engineers must show in their plans that the building materials used meet required specifications for structural safety.

Second, during construction, QPs are required to supervise the building works to ensure that the works are carried out in accordance with the approved plans. This includes ensuring that the building materials used, like concrete and steel for structural elements, have been tested by accredited laboratories and meet the required specifications. Samples are taken from concrete delivered to site, to test the compressive strength, and steel bars used for reinforced concrete are tested for tensile strength. Welding tests are also carried out to test the weld quality of steel connections.

The QPs are required to submit the relevant certifications and reports to BCA. BCA also conducts site audits on projects under construction to check that building regulations are adhered to and that all parties carry out their duties as required.

Third, before buildings are occupied, QPs need to apply to BCA for a Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) or Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC). BCA conducts site inspections to check that the buildings have been constructed according to the approved plans and that they meet BCA's requirements. BCA also requires QPs to obtain the relevant regulatory agencies' clearances for requirements, such as fire safety, sanitation, drainage and sewerage, before TOP or CSC can be granted. This will include clearances for agencies' requirements on building materials, where applicable.

Speaker, I thank the Minister for his clarification. Just one supplementary question. While it is not reasonable to expect to take samples and tests of building materials, in the instance of the recent case on the combustible claddings found, how can we prevent further large-scale instances of such cases from happening again? Do we need to increase the number of inspection or something for the project?

Sir, the Minister for Home Affairs will address this in his reply later.