Infrastructure & development

Saktiandi Supaat raised several questions about the effectiveness of predictive maintenance systems used by MRT rail operators, specifically regarding their role in preventing train failures and detecting risks associated with a recent service disruption. Chee Hong Tat indicated that these questions were previously addressed in a Ministerial Statement on 15 October 2024, which detailed the status of the rail system's safety and reliability. The findings from the investigation into the recent disruption and interim measures to prevent future occurrences were also mentioned as covered in that statement.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked about the criteria for evaluating environmental sustainability in government tenders for large constructions and ICT. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that for large construction tenders, criteria include suppliers' climate-related disclosures, decarbonisation practices, and relevant sustainability certifications. For ICT tenders, the evaluation focuses on climate-related disclosures, sustainability certifications for products, and sustainable packaging used by the suppliers.

Christopher de Souza proposed conducting a survey to identify communal spaces in neighborhoods with many seniors for potential lift installations to assist individuals with mobility difficulties. Desmond Lee responded that the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has implemented Universal Design and barrier-free principles in new developments since 2006, ensuring compliance with accessibility codes. Additionally, the recently launched Silver Upgrading Programme (SUP) aims to make older HDB precincts more senior-friendly, with community walks to gather feedback on enhancements needed. HDB is committed to continuing improvements in the inclusivity and accessibility of HDB estates.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about future plans for more rooftop urban farms and longer lease periods beyond three years. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that 16 multi-storey car park sites were tendered for commercial urban farming under the HDB Green Towns Programme with initial three-year tenancies. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and HDB are evaluating factors for suitable sites and monitoring existing farms before making decisions on future tenders and lease extensions. Currently, there are no plans to introduce new tenders for commercial farming at MSCP sites, but longer-term opportunities are available through other tenders offered by SFA for larger spaces.

Tan Wu Meng questioned the Minister for National Development about HDB's design considerations for new precincts in light of inclement weather, specifically regarding rain and wind impacting lift shafts. Indranee Rajah explained that HDB has implemented design strategies to mitigate rainwater intrusion, including wind-driven rain simulations since 2021 to predict and address potential issues early. Concerns from residents at Clementi Peaks about rain shields blocking views were discussed, acknowledging that these installations were made post-completion due to unexpected rainwater issues. The minister assured that future developments would incorporate lessons learned and improve resident engagement regarding safety measures.

Sharael Taha asked the Minister for National Development about preserving and integrating the cultural heritage of the Orang Kallang and Orang Laut communities in development plans for areas like Kallang Basin and Greater Southern Waterfront. The Minister, Desmond Lee, stated that Singapore will balance land use while incorporating heritage elements into urban designs and will engage local communities in development processes. Taha emphasized the importance of the Orang Laut's maritime traditions and advocated for heritage trails and public markers to celebrate their culture. Lee expressed willingness to consider Taha's suggestions and engage further with the Orang Laut community.

He Ting Ru questioned whether the Government conducts economic analyses of transport modes to assess public benefits and guide policy and infrastructure planning. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that transport infrastructure plans align with long-term strategic frameworks and that economic analyses are used to evaluate benefits against costs for transport projects. He emphasized that while economic viability is important, factors such as social mobility and equal access for all Singaporeans are also considered in the decision-making process.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis questioned the Minister for National Development about the disparity between developers' feasibility expectations and the URA's reserve price for a 99-year leasehold master developer site at Jurong Lake District, as well as the URA's plans regarding the master developer approach for this site. Desmond Lee affirmed the government's commitment to developing Jurong Lake District as a sustainable model integrating various spaces and indicated that the URA would continue engaging with industry stakeholders. He explained that the JLD Master Developer site is on the Reserve List, allowing interested parties to launch it with a minimum acceptable price. Land valuation varies based on multiple factors, making it difficult to assess the developers’ valuation perspectives.

Leong Mun Wai addressed concerns about public transport connectivity in the West of Singapore, highlighting the recent six-day disruption on the East-West MRT line that exposed reliance on this line for commuting. He questioned whether the Land Transport Master Plan 2040 would effectively achieve the goal of a 45-minute city, especially for Western residents, given existing bottlenecks in connectivity. He proposed extending the Jurong Region Line (JRL) to the Circle Line and creating interchange connections to mitigate reliance on the East-West Line, as well as introducing skip-stop bus services for quicker inter-town travel. Senior Minister of State Amy Khor responded, affirming ongoing efforts and the planned rollout of new MRT lines that will improve connectivity and reduce travel times in the West while recognizing the need for enhanced bus services as part of the transport strategy.

The Minister for Transport addressed a significant disruption on the East-West Line from September 25 to 30, affecting around 500,000 passenger journeys daily and leading to extensive damage to rail infrastructure requiring more than five days to repair. The Minister extended apologies to affected commuters, outlined the sequence of events during the disruption, and highlighted ongoing investigations to determine the root cause of the incident and improve future response measures. The Ministry is conducting thorough investigations with support from an Expert Advisory Panel and the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau, while discussing the balance between maintenance costs and reliability standards. Various measures were implemented to assist commuters during the disruption, including free transport alternatives and support for vulnerable groups, with a commitment to maintaining safety and resilience in Singapore's transport system.

Edward Chia Bing Hui proposed that HDB review its policy to allow electric vehicle (EV) owners to have season parking permits at two locations: their residence and a nearby carpark with charging facilities, until chargers are installed at their primary parking. Tan Kiat How responded that while HDB allows temporary transfers of season parking to car parks with EV chargers at the same rate, there are no current plans to permit dual parking tickets to maintain fairness for all residents. The government is working towards installing EV charging points in nearly 2,000 HDB car parks by 2025, enhancing accessibility for EV owners. Liang Eng Hwa inquired about consideration for car parks with lower occupancy rates for such dual use, to which Tan acknowledged ongoing efforts to provide sufficient charging options for EV drivers.

• LTA has assessed the projected noise from the Jurong Region Line (JRL) and identified areas requiring noise barriers to stay within NEA limits.
• JRL trains will be equipped with noise-dampening wheels to further reduce noise levels.
• The study for Choa Chu Kang Central considered existing noise from the North-South Line and Bukit Panjang LRT.
• With planned noise barriers, projected combined noise levels at residential blocks near JRL tracks are expected to comply with NEA limits.
• No additional measures beyond noise barriers and dampening wheels were mentioned for managing combined noise.

• Hazel Poa queried the percentage of cycling lanes fully grade-separated from footpaths and whether all such lanes will be grade-separated in the future.
• The Minister responded that current designs generally do not include grade-separated paths adjacent to footpaths and there are no plans to introduce them.
• Grade-separated paths are considered problematic as they can create tripping hazards and pose navigation difficulties for wheelchair and mobility aid users.

• Joan Pereira asked for data on escalator accidents over the last three years, their causes, age groups of victims, and whether more lifts would be built for safety amid an ageing population.
• Desmond Lee reported about 600 escalator incidents annually from 2021 to 2023, with 97% due to user behavior like imbalance or carrying bulky items, and over 40% involved people aged 60 and above.
• Since 2010, new buildings with five or more storeys must have lifts, and the Accessibility Fund helps retrofit existing buildings with lifts, covering up to 80% of costs.
• The Land Transport Master Plan 2040 includes installing more lifts at older MRT stations and pedestrian overhead bridges to improve accessibility for seniors and those with mobility challenges.
• The ministry is addressing safety through existing regulations, financial support, and infrastructure plans rather than directly committing to building more lifts at public facilities.

• The bill amends the Sewerage and Drainage Act to expand regulatory powers for infrastructure protection and modernization.
• It introduces consequential changes to the Public Utilities Act and State Lands Protection Act to align legal frameworks.
• The amendment aims to enhance Singapore's resilience and sustainability in water management and land use planning.

Leong Mun Wai asked about the percentage of land allocated to roads and carparks annually since 2010 and whether the government will adopt a zero-growth policy for this land allocation, considering Singapore's zero-growth policy for vehicles. Chee Hong Tat responded that the road network currently occupies around 12% of Singapore's total land area, a figure that has remained stable over the past decade, and highlighted efforts to repurpose roads for pedestrian facilities. He noted that carpark land allocation is not specifically tracked, as they are usually included in housing and commercial developments based on parking standards.

Hazel Poa raised questions regarding the calculation of Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) values by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for different areas in Singapore to identify regions underserved by public transport. She also asked if LTA could collaborate with HDB to disclose PTAL values for new BTO developments to help prospective applicants assess transport accessibility. Chee Hong Tat explained that PTAL is a supply-side measure that does not consider travel demand or individual commuter needs, therefore making it less useful for prospective BTO applicants. Instead, LTA provides information on existing and future transport infrastructure around new developments to assist in decision-making for potential buyers.

Assoc Prof Jamus Lim questioned the Minister for National Development about studies on the structural integrity of multi-storey car parks (MSCPs) for an all-electric vehicle fleet and plans for upgrading any that might not meet safety standards. Desmond Lee responded that HDB is collaborating with the Land Transport Authority to implement electric vehicle charging infrastructure in HDB carparks as part of Singapore's shift towards cleaner energy. While MSCPs are designed for vehicles up to 2,000 kilograms, the structure generally supports the increase in heavier electric vehicles due to their batteries. HDB is monitoring EV adoption and examining how to accommodate heavier vehicles safely.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis questioned the Minister for National Development about the effectiveness and relevance of the Central Business District Incentive (CBDI) and Strategic Development Incentive (SDI) schemes, and whether they would be modified or extended for the Draft Master Plan 2025. Desmond Lee explained that the CBDI aims to convert older office buildings into mixed-use developments to rejuvenate the CBD, while the SDI promotes the redevelopment of older buildings in strategic areas. The URA has received several applications for both schemes, with multiple approvals and ongoing developments. The Ministry plans to monitor market trends and engage with industry professionals to ensure the schemes remain relevant in the upcoming Draft Master Plan.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns regarding HDB households without direct lift access, seeking information on how HDB is addressing these needs and ensuring inclusivity for vulnerable groups. Desmond Lee responded that the Lift Upgrading Programme has successfully improved access in over 5,000 blocks, but around 2,000 flats remain without upgrades due to costs or technical challenges. HDB has explored alternative lift technologies but found many to be unsuitable for residential use or safety. Residents in need can apply for the Lift Access Housing Grant to assist with moving to flats that offer direct lift access, with a total of 60 applications received since its launch in 2020. HDB will continue to seek solutions for improving accessibility in their estates.