Safeguards for Construction Works Occurring near Densely Populated Residential Areas

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for National Development (a) what are the safeguards which are required of developers to be put in place during the construction of buildings near densely populated residential areas that minimise the health and environmental hazards to residents nearby; and (b) what recourse can residents take should the developers fail to undertake these measures diligently.

It is the duty of the contractor overseeing the construction site to ensure the construction has minimal impact on the residents. There are regulations in place to minimise the health and environmental impact of construction.

Under the Building Control Regulations, prior to project commencement, the contractor has to carry out a pre-construction survey to assess the existing conditions of the buildings and structures which are in close proximity to the building works. This survey would be used to determine whether the construction works have affected the surrounding properties.

During project implementation, the Building Control Act requires contractors to erect protective hoarding around the site boundary to prevent construction debris from posing a hazard to the public and the environment. Measures must also be in place to minimise any soil movement which could affect the environment. For construction works that cause vibrations, the contractors have to ensure the vibration level is within the recommended limits based on international standards and practices. These are specified in the Code of Practice.

Contractors must comply with the maximum permissible noise levels regulated by the National Environment Agency (NEA). To meet these noise standards, contractors could put in place measures, such as setting up noise barriers. In addition, NEA imposes the no-work

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rule on Sundays and public holidays on construction sites that are located near residential and noise-sensitive premises, such as hospitals.

In addition, the Environmental Public Health Act requires construction sites of contract sums exceeding $10 million to employ an Environmental Control Officer to anticipate and eliminate situations which could result in environmental health problems, for example, mosquito breeding.

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and NEA regularly share good practices with the industry through seminars. BCA has also put in place the Green and Gracious Builders Scheme to promote environment protection during construction and to recognise contractors who do so.

Residents can provide feedback on building safety to BCA and on environmental health issues to NEA through their hotline numbers which are displayed on signboards at the construction sites. And if the contractor flouts the rule, the contractor could be fined or prosecuted in Court under the specific laws.