Infrastructure & development

• Mr. Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap inquired about the criteria for determining the number of lifts in HDB blocks.
• Minister Desmond Lee explained that the Housing and Development Board considers factors like the number and type of units, block layout, and storey count when deciding lift provisions.
• The aim is to ensure adequate lift access and reasonable waiting times for residents while also being cost-effective and space-efficient.
• Compliance with regulatory requirements, including fire safety, is also a key consideration in lift provision.

• The Minister for Transport provided an update on the installation of lifts at pedestrian overhead bridges (POBs) as part of the Land Transport Master Plan 2040.
• Since 2018, all new POBs are constructed with lifts, and retrofitting of existing POBs has been ongoing since 2011.
• To date, lifts have been retrofitted at 91 existing POBs, with plans to retrofit an additional 150 by the end of 2030.
• The approximate cost to retrofit a POB with a pair of lifts is about $5 million.

• The projected number of dwelling units in the HDB Annual Report has increased to 1.61 million due to strong household formation rates and smaller household sizes, reflecting a growing demand for public housing.
• This figure is a planning estimate rather than a target, and it is regularly updated based on various changing factors.
• The government has expanded town boundaries and set aside more residential land to accommodate the increased demand for housing.
• The Minister highlighted that the current housing strategy contrasts with a previous proposal from the Workers' Party that would have significantly reduced the annual building program, potentially leading to housing shortages and higher prices.

• Pritam Singh inquired about the extension of the Sport-in-Precinct scheme to HDB estates managed by opposition Town Councils and the typical budget for such projects.
• Edwin Tong emphasized the government's commitment to providing accessible and affordable public sports facilities across Singapore, including various community centers and sport spaces.
• Currently, there are 10 completed Sport-in-Precinct facilities, with plans for more to be developed, though specific details will be announced later.
• The planning for public sport facilities considers factors like existing facilities, site proximity, population size, and sports popularity.
• The cost of constructing an SIP facility varies based on market conditions and the specific type and size of the facility.

• Dennis Tan Lip Fong inquired about the status of the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) plans to extend covered linkways to an 800-metre radius around MRT stations.
• The LTA has constructed 186 kilometres of covered linkways since the Walk2Ride programme began in 2013, focusing on improving access to public transport nodes.
• In 2024, the LTA announced plans to further extend covered linkways to Friendly Streets within an 800-metre radius of MRT stations.
• Over the next five years, the LTA aims to build an additional 50 kilometres of covered linkways to improve first and last mile connectivity.

• The Ministry of Manpower is working to increase the supply of dormitory beds for foreign workers by extending leases, enabling higher occupancy in existing dormitories, and facilitating new dormitory applications.
• Six new purpose-built dormitories with approximately 45,000 beds are planned to be added to the market in the coming years, including a new 2,400-bed facility set to open in early 2026.
• The government emphasizes the need for employers to adopt productivity measures to reduce reliance on migrant workers, as unchecked demand for work permit holders could undermine housing strategies.
• A phased approach is being implemented for upgrading dormitory standards to balance worker welfare with compliance costs for businesses, ensuring that supply shortages do not occur during the transition.
• Ongoing collaboration with the Dormitory Association of Singapore is aimed at matching employers with available bed spaces, contributing to a stable supply and demand balance in the dormitory market.

Hazel Poa requested an update on the construction of hostel-like accommodations for foreign healthcare workers. Ong Ye Kung confirmed that the Ministry of Health and MOH Holdings are establishing these accommodations to assist foreign healthcare workers new to Singapore. By the end of March, there will be capacity to house approximately 2,000 occupants across five sites.

Hazel Poa raised concerns regarding the high vacancy rate in business parks, asking about plans by JTC to reduce it and whether the government would relax zoning rules to promote better land utilization. Gan Kim Yong responded that the current occupancy rate for business parks is healthy at 77.9%, with historical rates between 75% and 85%. He noted an increase in supply with the Punggol Digital District development, and mentioned that JTC Corporation and the Urban Redevelopment Authority are actively engaging with businesses to update land-use policies as needed.

Hazel Poa asked the Deputy Prime Minister about the size and number of JTC-managed land plots reverting upon lease expiry before 2030, their location in HDB towns, collaboration with other agencies, and the possibility of re-zoning for residential use. Gan Kim Yong responded that approximately 800 hectares, or 10%, of JTC's industrial land leases will expire by 2030, with 50 hectares in HDB towns. The Urban Redevelopment Authority collaborates with JTC and other agencies for long-term land planning and may re-zone plots for different uses as necessary.

Saktiandi Supaat initiated a discussion by suggesting a budget cut for the Ministry of Transport, highlighting past achievements in Singapore's transport system and inquiring about future enhancements, particularly in rail and bus services. The Minister for Transport articulated plans to invest $1 billion over the next five years to enhance rail capabilities while also addressing public bus reliability and connectivity, including the introduction of new bus services. Multiple MPs raised concerns about public transport safety, commuter behavior, and the challenges faced during recent disruptions, while also emphasizing workforce development amidst the transition to autonomous vehicles. Further discussions addressed the need for improving infrastructure and integrating technology in both maritime and air transport sectors, including plans for enhancing the passenger experience and the push for electric and alternative fuel vehicles to support sustainability goals.

The debate focused on the Ministry of National Development's (MND) efforts to manage housing and urban development challenges in Singapore post-COVID-19, highlighting various initiatives and programs. Minister Desmond Lee emphasized maintaining affordable public housing, enhancing the built environment sector, and transforming Singapore into a "City in Nature" through new housing projects and urban planning strategies. The debate also addressed the issue of accessibility for seniors and diverse community needs with initiatives such as the Senior-Friendly enhancements in HDB estates and the Silver Housing Bonus scheme. Other government proposals included the expansion of the Budget Meal initiative and ongoing collaboration with stakeholders to improve neighborhood facilities and municipal services.

Gerald Giam Yean Song questioned the Minister for Transport about the safety standards for pedestrian crossing bollards and their effectiveness in protecting pedestrians from vehicle collisions. Dr. Amy Khor clarified that the bollards installed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) are designed to absorb impact and protect pedestrians, but they are not as rigid as security bollards meant for critical infrastructure. She emphasized that these safety bollards balance protecting both pedestrians and vehicle passengers while improving visibility for motorists at crossings. Giam raised concerns about public perception that the bollards provide complete protection, to which Khor acknowledged the need for road safety education and emphasized the role of user behavior in safety outcomes.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong requested an update on the progress of the MRT renewal works for the North East Line (NEL), including enhancements and future sustainability. Chee Hong Tat reported that the renewal project began in 2019, focusing on refurbishing 25 first-generation trains and upgrading key systems, with completion initially planned for 2024. Most track, power, signalling, and platform screen door upgrades were completed by 2021, while refurbishment of 16 trains had been finished by January 2025, with the remaining nine trains expected to be ready by early 2026. The upgrades aim to enhance commuter experience with smoother rides and improved train performance monitoring.

Hazel Poa questioned the Minister for National Development about the total land area redesignated for residential use during the current government term. Desmond Lee stated that this question has been addressed in a previous written reply related to land area data for good class bungalows. He referred to a specific official report for further details.

Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for National Development about the rationale behind the Urban Redevelopment Authority's decision to limit Good Class Bungalows to occupy up to 40% of their land plots. He also inquired whether this proportional limit will be reviewed due to competing land use demands. Desmond Lee pointed out that this question had already been addressed in a written reply to a previous inquiry from Leong Mun Wai on February 26, 2025.

Leong Mun Wai asked about the total land area designated for HDB flats in Singapore's Master Plan 2019 and whether there are plans to increase this area in the Draft Master Plan 2025. Desmond Lee responded that a written answer to the same question had been provided earlier on 26 February 2025, referencing an official report for detailed information.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about the costs for constructing and dismantling the temporary competition venue for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships, as well as its potential future use after the event. Eric Chua provided insights on the expected attendance of about 40,000 international visitors and projected tourism revenue of approximately $60 million. He emphasized that the temporary venue would be explored for extended use beyond the Championships and noted that cost management is crucial, with efforts underway to secure sponsorships to support expenses. Giam expressed concerns about maximizing public resources and ensuring that temporary infrastructures contribute lasting benefits to Singapore's sporting landscape.

• Mr. Leong Mun Wai inquired about the total land area designated for Good Class Bungalow Areas and the criteria for determining their number and locations.
• Minister Desmond Lee highlighted that housing occupies about 15% of Singapore's total land area, with public housing being predominant.
• The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is reviewing the Draft Master Plan 2025 to allocate more land for housing, including plans for Bukit Timah Turf City to develop 15,000 to 20,000 homes over the next 20 to 30 years.
• URA follows specific guidelines for housing developments to ensure they integrate well with their surroundings and provide adequate green spaces and facilities.

• Ms. Hazel Poa inquired about the possibility of new leases for golf clubs with leases expiring before 2030 and whether the land could be repurposed for other uses, such as housing.
• Minister K. Shanmugam stated that agencies review long-term plans for leases before they expire, including those for golf clubs, considering various land needs.
• Decisions regarding lease renewals for golf clubs will be communicated to the clubs after the review process is completed.

• Ms. Hazel Poa inquired about the total area of JTC-managed land occupied by single-storey industrial buildings and the potential for developing high-rise multi-user buildings on these sites.
• Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong responded that single-storey buildings occupy approximately 580 hectares, which is about 8% of JTC-managed land.
• Gan emphasized that due to land scarcity, JTC is actively planning and promoting the intensification of industrial land where it is feasible and desirable.