Infrastructure & development

Sylvia Lim requested an assessment of the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project aimed at importing hydropower from Laos. Gan Kim Yong confirmed that Singapore has approved the project's next phase but noted that approvals from all four participating countries are required to move forward. Singapore is dedicated to collaborating with its neighbors to advance this project.

Ang Wei Neng inquired about the number of HDB households without direct lift access, Lift Access Housing Grant applications, and the possibility of enhancing the grant for those in urgent need. Desmond Choo asked for statistics on households affected by lift access issues and those assisted in transitioning to alternative housing. Liang Eng Hwa questioned if there would be an increase in the cost cap for the Lift Upgrading Programme and the potential for open-sourcing engineering solutions for lift accessibility. Desmond Lee noted that these questions have been addressed in a prior written response regarding lift upgrading.

• Hazel Poa inquired about the status of plans to construct the Tuas South MRT extension and whether the unused platforms at Gul Circle Station would be utilized for it.
• Chee Hong Tat responded that there are currently no plans to build the extension due to projected travel demand, as it is not deemed viable at this time.
• He added that the unused platforms at Gul Circle Station would only be activated if future travel demand increases and makes the extension viable.

• Louis Ng asked how many dormitories have informed the Ministry of Manpower of plans to start work earlier under the Dormitory Transition Scheme to meet interim and new dormitory standards.
• Dormitories must meet interim standards by 2030 and new standards by 2040.
• About 200 new dormitories with around 70,000 beds already meet the new standards.
• 14 existing dormitories with about 100,000 beds have either started works or informed MOM of their transition plans.

• The Founders' Memorial is projected to cost $335 million for development, covering construction, fit-out of galleries and spaces, and a 5-hectare public garden.
• The memorial is scheduled to open by the end of 2028 and will serve as a space for reflection and unification for Singaporeans.
• Annual operating costs are still being determined alongside the development of operational plans.

• Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked whether the government monitors the number and value of infrastructure projects awarded to contractors across all ministries and agencies to prevent overexposure risk.
• Lawrence Wong stated that managing overexposure risk is a multi-agency effort, with the Ministry of Finance and Building and Construction Authority collaborating to diversify contractors and suppliers.
• He added that agencies structure procurement to avoid reliance on a small supplier pool and regularly monitor concentration risks.

• Saktiandi Supaat inquired whether BCA mandates dedicated waiting or holding areas in residential estates and if regulations for such areas and estate road planning could be enhanced.
• Desmond Lee stated that BCA requires accessible and sheltered passenger alighting points for new or retrofitted buildings from April 2014, while LTA guidelines recommend sufficient waiting areas for logistics in all residential developments.
• HDB and private developers must comply with these regulations, and the government periodically reviews the codes and welcomes suggestions for improvements.

• Dennis Tan asked if NParks will align its Park Connector Network with LTA's plan to create pedestrian-only paths alongside cycling paths for safety and consistency.
• Desmond Lee explained that NParks has already piloted a revised typology segregating pedestrian-only and shared paths since 2022 on 30 km of park connectors in areas like Changi Beach and East Coast Park.
• The revised typology is being rolled out for an additional 14 km of park connectors, incorporating feedback, with further stakeholder engagement to assess wider implementation.

• The Bill introduces the $5 billion Future Energy Fund to finance low-carbon energy infrastructure and supports centralised gas procurement via a new Gasco entity to enhance supply security and diversify sources.
• It grants the Energy Market Authority expanded powers to direct access to critical infrastructure, approve repurposing of energy assets, and implement power rationing as a last resort during emergencies.
• The framework allows cost recovery for energy security and decarbonisation initiatives, subject to Ministerial approval and an advisory committee, while safeguards and appeals processes are built in to protect stakeholders.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development about the issuance of directions under the Wildlife Act since its amendment in 2020. Desmond Lee reported that directions have been issued for a total of 445 development projects, with three instances of contraventions recorded. Multiple directions may be issued for each project to various involved parties such as developers and contractors.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised concerns about the environmental impact of hydrogen sulphide emissions from tank cleaning at PUB Choa Chu Kang Waterworks, as well as safety measures for workers during upgrading. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that hydrogen sulphide would disperse by wind and would not adversely affect the environment or local flora and fauna. The Public Utilities Board (PUB) conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prior to the upgrade, incorporating public feedback to mitigate environmental impact. PUB emphasized its commitment to workplace safety and will ensure that contractors adhere to safety measures, especially regarding confined spaces and toxic exposure risks during construction.

He Ting Ru asked about plans to address peak-hour crowding on the North East Line and Circle Line due to upcoming housing developments in Fernvale North. Chee Hong Tat responded that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) monitors housing developments closely and collaborates with transport operators to increase capacity as needed. LTA has already introduced short-trip bus services to connect Fernvale residents to MRT stations during peak hours and is planning more express bus services. The completion of the Cross Island Line will further enhance public transport options for residents. Chee clarified that the projected number of new homes referenced by He did not originate from URA or other government agencies.

Gan Thiam Poh asked about the need for a long-term solution to reduce periodic ash soil transfer works at the Inland Ash Scattering facility, Garden of Peace. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that the facility requires transfers to accommodate accumulating ashes, with the design having involved consultation with religious leaders. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has implemented a three-month rest period after lanes fill up, ensuring families' concerns are addressed. NEA plans to develop additional lanes and review existing designs to enhance capacity, which will lessen the frequency of ash transfer works while continuing to communicate the process to applicants.

Tan Wu Meng raised concerns about road safety at the unsignalised cross junction of Jalan Lempeng and Faber Drive, citing four accidents in six weeks and inquiring about LTA's assessments and unreported incidents. Chee Hong Tat explained that a Traffic Impact Assessment was conducted in 2019, leading to road improvements to accommodate increased traffic from nearby residential developments. He noted that there were no reported accidents from 2018 to 2023, but two accidents occurred in early 2024 due to careless driving. To enhance safety, LTA has implemented measures such as narrowing the junction, adding road humps, enlarging "Stop" signs, and building new pedestrian footpaths, and will continue to monitor the situation.

Alex Yam Ziming raised questions about the adequacy of public EV charging points in Singapore, the ramp-up rate for their provision, and the demand for fast-charging points in HDB estates. Gan Thiam Poh inquired about the number of new EVs registered by HDB residents and the utilization rate of EV chargers at HDB car parks. Chee Hong Tat reported that one in three new cars sold recently are EVs, with a significant number owned by HDB residents. The EV charging infrastructure is on pace to ensure every HDB town has charging points by 2025, with initiatives underway to increase the number of fast chargers in key locations to support EV adoption.

• Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport about plans to recalibrate streetside parking allocation to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow.
• Chee Hong Tat responded that the Land Transport Authority, in consultation with agencies and the community, will continue reviewing roadside parking to support walking and cycling.
• Examples of such reviews include Havelock Road, Tiong Bahru, and Ang Mo Kio Street 31 Friendly Street over the last few years.

• Don Wee asked if the land parcels at 5A, 7A, and 11A Choa Chu Kang Grove, used for semi-permanent Quick Build Dormitories, remain zoned for residential use.
• Desmond Lee confirmed that under the Master Plan 2019, the parcels at 5A and 7A are zoned for residential use and the parcel at 11A is zoned for health and medical care use.
• He stated there are currently no changes to these land use plans.

• From 2019 to 2023, more than 80% of new and existing buildings undergoing works requiring plan submission complied with the Code on Accessibility, with about 160 exemptions granted annually due to technical constraints.
• Exemptions are granted only after a stringent evaluation and typically apply to specific areas or features, often requiring mitigating measures like alternative access provisions for persons with disabilities.
• Buildings that do not comply and are not exempted are denied a Temporary Occupation Permit and/or Certificate of Statutory Completion, preventing their use by occupants.

• The government has introduced financial incentives like the Electric Vehicle Early Adoption Incentive and Enhanced Vehicular Emissions Scheme, reducing upfront EV costs by up to $40,000 in 2024, and enacted the Electric Vehicles Charging Act to ensure a safe and reliable charging network.
• Progress on EV charging infrastructure includes over 7,100 charging points installed across Singapore, with more than a third of HDB carparks equipped with chargers and over 1,100 chargers supported in non-landed private residences.
• The EV Common Charger Grant co-funds installations at non-landed private residences, and the government encourages more such properties to utilize remaining grant support for around 900 additional chargers.
• As a result of these measures, EV adoption has significantly increased, with about one out of three new cars sold in Singapore in 2024 being an EV, compared to 18% in 2023.

• Dennis Tan asked for an update on the works and improvements at Hougang Sports Centre, including the facilities to be enhanced or added and the expected timelines.
• Edwin Tong confirmed that the sports centre is currently undergoing renovation and will be completed by 2026.
• The upgraded centre will feature a larger gym, new fitness studios, and a sheltered teaching pool with ramp access.
• Additional improvements include new water play features, activity areas, fitness stations, basketball courts, and a running track.
• The refreshed centre will be fully accessible with barrier-free access, sheltered drop-offs, and covered linkways connecting facilities.