Infrastructure & development

Valerie Lee questioned the planning reasons for the Loyang Cross Island Line MRT station being located away from the high-density residential areas of Flora, Toh, and Mariam estates, and asked about potential improvements for better connectivity. Jeffrey Siow explained that the station's location aimed to maximize commuter access while considering land use plans, space availability, and engineering feasibility to minimize disruptions. He indicated that enhancements for first- and last-mile connectivity would be implemented, including improved linkways, cycling paths, and possible adjustments to bus services to better connect the estates to the new MRT stations.

Hazlina Abdul Halim questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the factors for considering a sixth desalination plant, the impact of projected water demand and climate risks, estimated costs, and the potential effect on water tariffs. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the Public Utilities Board (PUB) is conducting a feasibility study for the new plant to address Singapore's growing water needs and will determine costs post-study. PUB aims to price water to reflect supply costs to ensure sustainable financing for future water infrastructure and security.

Edward Chia Bing Hui asked about Singapore's energy transition strategy regarding global energy market volatility and the safeguards for maintaining decarbonisation goals despite price fluctuations. Gan Kim Yong emphasized the importance of diversifying energy sources for the transition, including natural gas, domestic solar, low-carbon electricity imports, and alternatives. Currently, 95% of Singapore's electricity is generated from natural gas, and efforts are underway to develop a second LNG terminal for secure supplies and to maximize solar deployment towards a target of 2 GWp by 2030. The government is also pursuing low-carbon electricity imports and investing in emerging energy technologies like hydrogen and advanced nuclear, supported by a $10 billion Future Energy Fund to mitigate risks associated with strategic low-carbon projects. A carbon tax has been implemented to appropriately price emissions and fund decarbonisation initiatives.

Ng Chee Meng requested information from the Acting Minister for Transport regarding the deployment of 60,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points by 2030, focusing on HDB carparks in high-demand areas and consideration of residents' growing EV demand. Jeffrey Siow confirmed that the target is on track, with EV chargers available in nearly every HDB carpark. The Land Transport Authority monitors usage and collaborates with EV Charging Operators to increase charging points in high-demand carparks where electrical capacity allows.

Jackson Lam asked how long-term transport expansion plans consider residential liveability near expressways and MRT corridors, if alternative designs are evaluated to minimize noise, and how resident feedback influences planning. Jeffrey Siow responded that future rail and expressway alignments factor in their impact on residents, including implementing noise mitigation measures like barriers and maintaining adequate buffer distances. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) collects resident feedback through public channels and ground engagements to evaluate noise mitigation effectiveness and make adjustments if necessary.

Jackson Lam asked about the effectiveness of existing noise barriers, low-noise pavements, and rail modifications in reducing residential noise levels over the past five years, as well as measurement methods and potential adoption of newer technologies. Jeffrey Siow reported that these noise mitigation measures have reduced noise levels by up to five to 10 decibels and that further measurements are conducted to ensure compliance with National Environment Agency guidelines. The Land Transport Authority will continue to explore and adopt new technologies for effective noise reduction.

Jackson Lam asked how the Ministry for Transport assesses noise from roads, MRT lines, and airports during transport system design, and whether cumulative noise exposure for residents is considered, along with the prioritization of noise mitigation alongside capacity and efficiency. Jeffrey Siow responded that noise impact assessments evaluate the combined effects of transport infrastructure, using simulation models and ground measurements to identify areas exceeding noise guidelines. Measures to mitigate noise include maintaining buffer zones, implementing noise barriers, routing aircraft away from residential areas, and enforcing a night curfew at Seletar Airport, all aimed at achieving efficient transport while maintaining livability for communities.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the number of HDB blocks lacking direct lift access that were offered the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) and the current number of blocks where same-floor lift access is unfeasible. Ang Wei Neng inquired about the application trend for the enhanced Lift Access Housing Grant (LHG) since its increase to $80,000. Chee Hong Tat explained that the LUP has benefited the majority of HDB blocks initially without direct lift access, with plans for additional blocks to receive upgrades. Since the LHG enhancement, applications increased from 11 per year to 18 in eight months, and the HDB continues to assist residents facing mobility challenges.

Gho Sze Kee asked about the status of the independent investigation panel regarding the sinkhole incident at Tanjong Katong Road South on 26 July 2025. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment will share the outcomes of their internal investigations once they are ready. Additionally, the Building and Construction Authority is conducting its own investigation under the Building Control Act.

Hazlina Abdul Halim proposed that the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment require developers to publish environmental factors disclosure reports regarding noise and proximity to infrastructure for housing and commercial projects, and suggested that buyers acknowledge these reports before purchase. She also requested that developers bear part of the costs related to addressing noise issues from existing public infrastructure for up to a year after new owners receive Temporary Occupation Permits. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the National Environment Agency mandates a Noise Impact Assessment for new developments near traffic noise sources, requiring developers to implement mitigation measures to comply with noise limits. She noted that while developers work to keep noise within limits, some traffic noise will still exist, and encouraged buyers to assess noise levels independently before purchasing properties.

Cai Yinzhou questioned the Acting Minister for Transport about the proportion of Singapore's rail network built on marine clay, measures for managing tunnel squatting, planned maintenance for areas affected by ground settlement, and the integration of advanced geotechnical monitoring in rail maintenance. Jeffrey Siow responded that approximately 10% of underground rail tunnels are on marine clay, and inspections for defects like tunnel squatting are conducted regularly. Enhanced monitoring using advanced instruments is applied to more vulnerable tunnel segments, with current work focusing on the tunnels between Paya Lebar and Mountbatten stations, and the public will be informed of any further necessary works.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked about the construction status and expected completion date of the Tampines North Integrated Transport Hub, as well as factors contributing to delays and lessons for future developments. Jeffrey Siow explained that Integrated Transport Hubs are complex and require more time to construct due to their integration with bus interchanges and MRT stations. The timeline for Tampines North ITH was extended to 2030 because its completion is linked to the delayed Tampines North Cross Island Line station, which was postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction began in 2024, while residents currently use the Tampines North Bus Interchange.

Low Wu Yang Andre questioned the Deputy Prime Minister about the planned clearance of 52 hectares of forest in the Jurong Innovation District for developments in CleanTech Park and Bahar, specifically asking about alternative sites evaluated, reasons for their exclusion, and the possibility of stronger ecological mitigation measures beyond the proposed 14.5 hectares of retained green space. Gan Kim Yong responded that the government adopts a long-term land planning approach, assessing site suitability for development needs. He explained that CleanTech Park and Bahar's integration with existing industrial sites aims to support Jurong's role as a hub for advanced manufacturing, creating around 95,000 jobs. JTC conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment that identified various mitigation strategies, including retaining valuable forest areas and creating green spaces like the Potter’s Garden to enhance ecological and community benefits.

The debate involved the presentation of a bill to amend the Public Utilities Act 2001 and the Sewerage and Drainage Act 1999 for coastal protection purposes. The bill also includes related amendments to both acts concerning utilities. It was presented by the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, and will be read a second time in the next available parliamentary sitting before being printed.

Alex Yeo asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about the number and utilization of infant and childcare places in the Bidadari estate within the Toa Payoh Planning Area, and whether they will meet projected demand. Masagos Zulkifli reported that there are approximately 860 infant care and 8,700 childcare places, with current utilization rates at 66% and 73%, respectively. The Early Childhood Development Agency is addressing future demand by building more infant and childcare places, with new preschools adding 125 infant care and 640 childcare spots in the coming months, mainly in Bidadari. The majority of new places will be provided by Anchor Operators, excluding other operators' contributions.

Valerie Lee asked about the government's considerations when choosing between building a NEWater plant and a desalination plant, especially regarding energy intensity and carbon footprint. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that NEWater plants recycle used water, while desalination plants provide new water from seawater, necessitating both for a diversified water supply. The government aims to reduce energy consumption in both processes through research and development of energy-efficient technologies.

Ng Shi Xuan asked about the flexible uses of HDB multi-storey car parks beyond rooftop gardening. Chee Hong Tat responded that HDB has converted upper levels of some car parks into greenery and community gardens, as well as repurposed spaces into courier hubs under the Courier Hub Scheme. HDB is open to considering other community-beneficial uses for MSCPs, subject to technical feasibility and safety assessments.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis requested the Acting Minister for Transport to expedite the installation of additional electric vehicle chargers in HDB carparks with high utilization rates. Jeffrey Siow confirmed that EV chargers are already installed in all HDB towns and that deployment is being scaled up in response to increasing EV adoption, contingent on electrical capacity.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised concerns about the need for a balanced approach in Singapore's development strategies, emphasizing the importance of preserving green spaces amid urbanization. He criticized the government's reliance on outdated classifications that exempt brownfield sites from environmental assessments, arguing that this leads to irreversible ecological and social losses. Tan cited the Serangoon River Forest as a case study for policy failure, highlighting the lack of transparency in decision-making and the ecological significance of the area. Minister of State Alvin Tan responded by asserting that the government considers multiple land use needs and has plans for extensive green space preservation while also defending the decision to develop the bus depot in the contested area. Both speakers acknowledged the necessity of trade-offs in urban planning but differed in their views on the priorities and assessments employed by the government.

Charlene Chen questioned the enforcement and monitoring of construction noise compliance near residential areas, including how prolonged exposure to noise is considered and whether psycho-acoustic factors will be included in noise threshold reviews. Dr. Janil Puthucheary confirmed that construction sites within 150 meters of residences must install noise meters monitored by the National Environment Agency (NEA), which enforces penalties for exceeding noise levels, including fines up to $40,000 for violations. He acknowledged the concerns regarding the impact of construction noise on residents, noting the need to balance public health with construction requirements, and stated that they will review current averaging methods while considering psycho-acoustic factors and Lmax in future assessments. Gho Sze Kee raised similar concerns about noise disturbance from construction near RiverEdge, prompting further discussion on the adequacy of current noise measurement approaches.