Infrastructure & development — Topics

5 Mar 2024

Update on Measures to Mitigate Potential Environmental Impact at Revised A1W1 Worksite of Cross Island MRT Line

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Transport about updates on environmental mitigation measures for the revised A1W1 worksite of the Cross Island MRT Line, ongoing monitoring of environmental and wildlife impact, and whether any impact has occurred.
Chee Hong Tat responded that the Land Transport Authority, in consultation with nature groups and the National Parks Board, has developed an Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan with comprehensive mitigation measures for the A1W1 worksite.
He added that construction has not yet started at the revised worksite, implying that no impact has been observed so far.

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5 Mar 2024

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Ministry of Transport announced new infrastructure plans including the opening of Thomson-East Coast Line stage 4 on 23 June 2024 and the extension of the North East Line to Punggol Coast by end-2024, advancing the target for 80% of households to be within a 10-minute walk of a train station by the 2030s.
Regulations for Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) will be tightened from 2025, lowering the speed limit to 6 km/h, requiring medical certification for mobility scooter users, and imposing size limits to enhance footpath safety for pedestrians and other users.
To improve point-to-point transport, the statutory lifespan of taxis will be extended from 8 to 10 years, and new measures will be introduced to ensure better service reliability and support for commuters with specific needs, such as wheelchair users and families with young children.

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5 Mar 2024

Committee of Supply – Head T (Ministry of National Development)

The government announced measures to support young couples, including reducing initial downpayments to 2.5% under the enhanced Staggered Downpayment Scheme and providing a one-year rental voucher of $300 per month for those awaiting BTO flat completion.
Housing policies were updated to better cater to diverse needs, such as allowing singles to buy 2-room Flexi flats islandwide from the second half of 2024 and expanding interim housing schemes for vulnerable groups like divorcees with special needs children.
Long-term planning strategies were emphasized, including developing new housing areas like Chencharu and Gillman Barracks, intensifying land use through mixed-use developments, and advancing initiatives like Age Well SG to make estates senior-friendly.

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5 Mar 2024

Mobile Phone Reception Coverage in Lifts in New HDB Developments to Facilitate Emergency Calls

The Ministry stated that while mobile operators are required to provide over 85% building coverage, there is no specific requirement for mobile reception inside lifts due to the challenge of signal penetration in enclosed metallic structures, and HDB lifts rely on existing safety features like the Tele-Monitoring System and alarm buttons for emergencies.
In response to concerns about lift breakdowns or medical emergencies where the alarm button is unreachable, the Ministry explained that current planning norms do not include mobile coverage in lifts but committed to working with telecom operators to boost weak signal areas, such as in Clementi Peaks.
A member asked if the 85% coverage includes HDB car parks, and the Ministry clarified that coverage requirements exclude transient areas like lifts and in-building car parks below the second basement level, as these are not part of the baseline service standards.

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5 Mar 2024

Alternative Accessibility Solutions for Wheelchair-bound Residents in HDB Blocks where Lift Upgrading Programme Remains Unfeasible

Residents in HDB blocks without direct lift access face challenges, with the Ministry highlighting that 99% of blocks now have lifts and offering a grant for relocation, but some MPs argue this isn't always feasible for long-term residents.
The Ministry is exploring alternative accessibility solutions and urges affected residents to approach HDB for personalized assistance, but has not yet detailed specific options or timelines.
MPs raised questions about stair-lifts, cost-benefit analyses, and lift upgrading timelines, with the Minister acknowledging ongoing feasibility studies but noting safety and technical constraints.

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4 Mar 2024

Development of HDB New Towns with Digitally Ready and 5G-Capable Flats

The debate focused on the technological and infrastructural challenges in developing HDB new towns that are digitally ready to support 5G capabilities, including the need for denser mobile infrastructure due to 5G's shorter propagation characteristics.
It was highlighted that more space within building premises is required for 5G infrastructure, and government agencies are collaborating to coordinate and facilitate timely 5G network rollouts in HDB towns.
The Minister outlined plans for retrofitting HDB flats to support 5G in the future, emphasizing inter-agency coordination between MND/HDB and MCI/IMDA to address infrastructure needs.

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4 Mar 2024

Sufficient Number of Digital Infrastructure Engineers and Designers in Design and Development of Digitally-ready HDB New Towns

HDB has been building its digital capabilities through the Digital Master Plan and the Built Environment Industry Transformation Map, including the use of Virtual Design and Construction and Building Information Modelling for all new BTO projects since 2019.
HDB trains its officers and requires consultants and contractors to deploy digitally competent personnel to implement Integrated Digital Delivery, while piloting new technologies in smart town “Living Labs” like Punggol and Yuhua before wider rollout.
For older flats and estates, HDB selects and rolls out proven digital initiatives, such as Smart LED Lighting under the Green Towns Programme, with installations aligned to Town Council repair cycles and supported by HDB.
HDB has developed a centralised data platform to collect and analyse sensor data from HDB towns, enabling performance monitoring, measurement of sustainability targets, and refinement of future plans.

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4 Mar 2024

Committee of Supply – Head L (Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment)

Singapore is enhancing coastal protection based on the latest climate projections, with site-specific studies and upcoming legislation to safeguard coastlines and support plans like the Lim Chu Kang Master Plan.
The “30 by 30” vision to produce 30% of Singapore’s nutritional needs locally by 2030 faces challenges, but the government is providing funding, promoting shared facilities, and boosting demand for local produce through industry partnerships.
To improve public hygiene, a multi-pronged approach includes stricter enforcement, new public toilet taskforces, and community campaigns, while encouraging civic responsibility to maintain a clean environment.

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1 Mar 2024

Distance of Taxi Stands and Bus Stops from MRT Station Exits

Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Transport for the median distances between MRT station exits and the nearest taxi stand and bus stop along the Downtown Line and Thomson-East Coast Line, and why taxi stands are typically closer to exits than bus stops.
Chee Hong Tat responded that the median distances are approximately 24 metres for taxi stands and 40 metres for bus stops.
The exact locations of taxi stands and bus stops depend on site layout, available space, and safety requirements, such as ensuring buses can move safely in and out of the bus bay.
Where existing bus stops are present, the Land Transport Authority avoids relocating them to minimize disruption to commuters.

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28 Feb 2024

Installation of Stair Lifts or Escalators or Redevelopment for HDB Blocks without Direct Lift Access

Leong Mun Wai asked whether HDB would install stair lifts, escalators, or redevelop HDB blocks without direct lift access.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB’s Lift Upgrading Programme has brought direct lift access to over 5,000 blocks, covering about 99% of blocks, while stair lifts and escalators are not feasible due to safety, fire escape, and space constraints.
HDB does not plan to redevelop blocks where upgrading is not feasible due to high cost or technical constraints, but it offers a Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 for households needing urgent access.

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28 Feb 2024

More Bus Services for Fernvale with Increased Number of HDB Flats and Pending Completion of LRT System Upgrade

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked if more bus services would be introduced for Fernvale due to new HDB flats and the pending LRT upgrade.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary noted existing bus services connect Fernvale to Sengkang and other areas, with a direct city service during peak hours.
The Land Transport Authority enhances bus connectivity with new housing, having already adjusted Service 102 for recent Fernvale projects.

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27 Feb 2024

Update on VERS Policy Details and Alternative Solutions in Other Estates Not Feasible for VERS

Yip Hon Weng asked for an update on the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) policy details and for alternative solutions for estates where VERS is not feasible to address concerns about buying properties with short remaining lease terms.
Desmond Lee explained that VERS is a long-term plan to stage out the redevelopment and rejuvenation of older towns and estates, involving complex and detailed long-term town planning.
The Ministry is currently working out the details of VERS and will share more information when ready.

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27 Feb 2024

Adequacy of Paid-up Capital as Key Metric in Assessing Construction Companies for Public Sector Construction Projects

Yip Hon Weng questioned if paid-up capital is sufficient as a key metric for assessing construction companies in public sector projects and suggested additional criteria like accounts receivable turnover ratio, operating cash flow, and limits on concurrent projects.
Desmond Lee clarified that the Building and Construction Authority’s Contractors Registration System already evaluates financial health through multiple factors, including paid-up capital and net worth for higher-value projects, and that government agencies may consider other indicators like credit ratings and operational capacity during tender evaluations.
He added that BCA and the Ministry of Finance regularly review procurement processes to ensure cost-effectiveness and may incorporate additional metrics as needed.

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27 Feb 2024

Criteria in Evaluation of Requests for Road Safety Features around Schools and Residential Areas and Follow-up Reviews

The Land Transport Authority assesses requests for road safety features through technical evaluations of pedestrian volumes, vehicle speeds, visibility, and local demographics, prioritizing safety and implementing measures like traffic calming and crossings.
LTA monitors and re-evaluates requests when traffic conditions change or accidents occur, focusing on School Zones and Silver Zones to enhance safety around schools and residential areas with seniors.
The Ministry of Transport commits to more resources for road safety, including infrastructure improvements like signalized crossings and speed humps, and aims to expand initiatives such as the Friendly Street program by 2030.

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26 Feb 2024

Provision of Pedestrian Crossing or Overhead Bridge along Yuan Ching Road Where 12-year-old Girl Was Killed in Recent Accident

Hazel Poa asked if the Ministry for Transport would consider installing a pedestrian crossing or overhead bridge at Yuan Ching Road where a 12-year-old girl died in a recent accident.
Chee Hong Tat, representing the Ministry, stated that LTA will review if additional measures are needed after the Coroner's Inquiry and Traffic Police investigations conclude.
The response emphasizes that any decision on infrastructure upgrades will be contingent on the findings of ongoing official investigations.

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26 Feb 2024

Provision of Larger Accessible Changing Rooms and Toilets by Building Owners for Adults with Disabilities or Help-dependent Seniors and Motorised Wheelchair Users

Ms See Jinli Jean inquired about the proportion of buildings in Singapore providing accessible changing rooms and larger accessible toilets for adults with disabilities, help-dependent seniors, and motorised wheelchair users, and how the Ministry encourages building owners to introduce these facilities.
The Building and Construction Authority mandates that new buildings and those undergoing major alterations comply with the Accessibility Code, requiring public-frequented buildings to provide at least one accessible changing room and one larger accessible toilet per floor.
To date, about 50 buildings have accessible changing rooms and about 130 have larger accessible toilets, with examples including One Punggol and Mandai Bird Paradise.
The Ministry encourages retrofitting through BCA's Accessibility Fund, which co-funds up to 80% for larger accessible toilets and 60% for other inclusive features like changing rooms in eligible developments.
BCA also promotes accessibility via the Universal Design Excellence Award, recognising buildings that exceed mandatory Code requirements for inclusive facilities.

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26 Feb 2024

Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme Flats Expected to be Vacant upon Completion of Replacement Flats and Their Subsequent Reallocation

In 2024, 992 HDB flats under the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme are expected to be vacated after replacement flats are completed.
These vacated flats will not be added to the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme because the site is earmarked for near-term redevelopment.
The government's focus is on redeveloping the site rather than repurposing the vacated flats for interim housing.

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7 Feb 2024

Number of HDB BTO Units Launched in 2023 That Face Car Parks or Bin Centres

Hazel Poa asked for details on the number of HDB BTO units launched in 2023 that directly face multi-storey car parks or bin centres, and the factors influencing the placement of car parks relative to blocks.
Desmond Lee responded that about 700 units (3%) face car parks, with design measures like screens and greenery to reduce privacy and light issues, and fewer than 20 units face bin centres, which are located remotely and screened with greenery.
HDB considers site layout, minimising units facing car parks or bin centres, maximising north-south facing flats, and using systems like pneumatic waste conveyance to improve efficiency and aesthetics.

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7 Feb 2024

Number of Contractors Caught for Violation of Environmental Pollution Laws

From 2021 to 2023, the National Environment Agency took 1,577 enforcement actions for construction noise and five for illegal effluent discharge, while the Public Utilities Board took 402 actions for improper earth control measures.
Contractors are required to install noise meters and, for violations, video surveillance; larger sites must have CCTVs to monitor water discharge, with real-time alerts and regular inspections.
Proactive measures include mandatory noise management plans, appointment of Environmental Control Officers for large projects, and the Green and Gracious Builder Scheme, which is required for public tenders over $5 million.
The public can report violations via the myENV and OneService apps or 24-hour hotlines from NEA and PUB.

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7 Feb 2024

Building a Heat-resilient Singapore

He Ting Ru highlighted the growing urban heat vulnerability in Singapore, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on lower-income groups and vulnerable populations, and proposed enhanced social protections and accelerated retrofitting of older buildings.
The government outlined a three-pronged heat resilience strategy focusing on national cooling measures like greening and cool coatings, strengthening community resilience through advisories and sector-specific guidelines, and deepening scientific research into heat impacts.
Key measures include expanding green spaces, improving airflow in public housing, enhancing workplace safety for outdoor workers, and investing in R&D for climate adaptation technologies.
Both speakers underscored the urgency of acting now to avoid path dependency and high future costs, with a call for public and private sector collaboration to build a heat-resilient Singapore.

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