Infrastructure & development — Topics

6 Feb 2024

Reducing MRT Noise Levels at Jurong West Jewel and Jurong West Crystal BTOs

Patrick Tay asked if noise barriers can be built near Jurong West Jewel and Jurong West Crystal BTOs to reduce MRT noise.
Chee Hong Tat stated these HDB blocks are over 50 metres from the MRT viaduct and have noise abatement features like window restrictors.
A multi-storey car park between the viaduct and blocks provides additional noise buffering.
Noise levels at these blocks are below the National Environment Agency’s limit, so no noise barriers are planned.

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6 Feb 2024

Recent Studies on Temperatures in HDB Rental Flats Versus Other Types of Flats

Ms He Ting Ru asked whether recent studies comparing temperatures in HDB rental flats with other flats have been conducted, their results, and if not, whether such studies would be commissioned.
The Minister responded that HDB uses environmental modelling for all new flats, including rental units, to optimize building orientation and ventilation for heat mitigation.
HDB is testing cool coatings on about 130 sold and rental blocks, with trials showing potential reductions of up to 2°C in ambient temperature.
The Green Towns Programme includes adding greenery to car park decks to reduce heat gain across HDB estates.
HDB stated its commitment to a sustainable living environment for all residents through science-based heat adaptation strategies.

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6 Feb 2024

Compliance with Industry Standard for Sound Proofing in HDB Flats

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked whether HDB flats must follow a sound proofing industry standard and how it compares to private high-rise residences.
Desmond Lee stated there is no local standard for intra-building soundproofing, but HDB uses a holistic design approach with acoustic insulation, Noise Impact Assessments for flats near traffic noise, and specific measures like facade overhangs and drywall partitions.
HDB flats now have thicker floor slabs since February 2023 to reduce noise, and these features are generally comparable to specifications in high-rise private developments, where developers are responsible for their own sound attenuation.

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6 Feb 2024

Expediting Approval of Food and Essential Items Vending Machines for Jurong West Jewel BTO Residents

MP Patrick Tay asked the Ministry for National Development to expedite approval for vending machines selling food and essential items at the Jurong West Jewel BTO project, citing residents’ lack of nearby convenience stores.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that HDB towns are designed to be self-sufficient, with most residents having commercial facilities within a 400-metre or 10-minute walk, and noted Jurong West Jewel currently has an eating house and convenience store nearby.
HDB is also building additional facilities at the adjacent Jurong West Crystal BTO site, which will provide more food and retail options for residents.
HDB is assessing the market and technical viability of vending machines at Jurong West Jewel and will tender the site openly once a suitable location is identified.

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6 Feb 2024

Installation of Glazed or Cladded Windows for Jurong West Crystal BTO Flats near MRT Tracks

Patrick Tay inquired about installing special glazed or cladded windows for Jurong West Crystal BTO flats near MRT tracks to reduce noise.
Desmond Lee explained that full soundproofing is not feasible due to the need for natural ventilation, and special windows have limited effectiveness if kept closed.
HDB conducted a Noise Impact Assessment and implemented measures like using a car park as a noise buffer, adding vertical fins, and providing window restrictors to meet noise standards while maintaining ventilation.

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6 Feb 2024

Update on Centralised Cooling System Sign-ups by Tengah Estate Residents and Reported Issues

As of end December 2023, about 2,500 households in Tengah have signed up for the Centralised Cooling System (CCS).
Some residents have reported issues such as water seepage and condensation, which SP Group is addressing through a systematic process, having resolved the majority of defects.
SP Group waived CCS charges for the entire 2023 as a goodwill gesture while working on installation and user experience issues, but did not disclose rectification costs.

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6 Feb 2024

Estimated Increase in Frequency of Flights from Tengah Air Base After Relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base

Hazel Poa asked for the estimated increase in flight frequency at Tengah Air Base after relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base operations and the noise mitigation measures being explored.
Minister Ng Eng Hen stated that RSAF estimates a 15% to 20% increase in flight frequency at Tengah Air Base after relocating from Paya Lebar Air Base.
He noted that RSAF conducts about 50% of flying training overseas, uses simulators for local training, plans routes away from residential areas, and adjusts training during school exams to reduce noise.
The Ministry and RSAF work with agencies like HDB and NEA to implement noise mitigation in developments such as Tengah New Town, including thicker windows, façade designs to deflect noise, and building orientation.

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6 Feb 2024

Passenger Load at Sengkang MRT Station and LRT System, and Measures to Meet Commuter Demand

During morning peak hours, most commuters at Sengkang MRT and LRT stations can board the first arriving train, though some LRT stations like Compassvale and Renjong are more crowded as they are the last stops before Sengkang Town Centre.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will add six new trains to the North East Line by 2024 and has procured 25 two-car trains for the Sengkang-Punggol LRT system, which will double the two-car fleet by 2027, along with enhancing Sengkang Town Centre station for better flow.
Sengkang is served by 37 bus services, including two City Direct Services during peak hours, and LTA is adjusting routes like Service 102 to meet new housing demand.

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6 Feb 2024

Port of Singapore's Ability to Accommodate Adjustments to Eastern Sector Capacity Due To "Long Island" Project

Dennis Tan inquired whether the Western Sector or other parts of the Port of Singapore could absorb the capacity from the Eastern Sector due to reconfigurations from the "Long Island" project.
Chee Hong Tat responded that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is collaborating with the industry to optimize anchorage space usage.
The final configuration of anchorages will be decided after technical studies for the "Long Island" project are completed.

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6 Feb 2024

Plans to Meet Future Increases in Demand for Preschool Places and Early Childhood Educators

The Government has significantly expanded preschool capacity, with over 200,000 full-day places now available, sufficient for all resident children aged three and above, and aims for 80% of places to be government-supported by 2025.
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) plans for future demand by tracking birth projections and works with the Housing and Development Board to develop new childcare centres in new housing estates and activate spaces in older estates for additional capacity.
The Government estimates 1,500 more early childhood educators will be needed and is taking steps to attract and retain them, including salary reviews and moving preschools to a five-day week by 2025.
To support the sector, parents are encouraged to appreciate educators and set reasonable expectations, such as regarding communication outside working hours, to help make the profession more attractive.

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6 Feb 2024

Exploring Alternative Burial Processes to Reduce Demand on Land to Build Columbaria

The Ministry acknowledges rising death rates and the need for more after-death facilities, with efforts including integrated designs like the Mount Vernon Funeral Parlour and new ash scattering gardens to save land.
The government is promoting public acceptance through end-of-life planning portals and stakeholder engagement, while ensuring facilities are distributed across Singapore and affordable.
Members call for urgency in exploring innovative alternatives like tree scattering or cremation diamonds to decentralise niches and reduce land use, with the Ministry open to studying such options in line with affordability and public acceptance.

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5 Feb 2024

Proposal for U-turn Facility to Ease Traffic into Jurong West Jewel BTO

Patrick Tay asked whether agencies could expedite a U-turn facility for easier access to the Jurong West Jewel BTO.
HDB will complete the U-turn facility along Upper Jurong Road by the third quarter of 2024.
The new facility will allow residents to enter from the westbound side of Upper Jurong Road.
Until then, residents can continue using the eastbound side for access.
The move aims to ease vehicular traffic into the development.

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5 Feb 2024

Adjusting Method to Score Quality Attributes in Government Infrastructure Tenders So As Not to Disadvantage Local Construction Companies

Mr Don Wee asked whether the BCA could revise how quality attributes are scored in public infrastructure tenders to avoid disadvantaging local construction companies that may have fewer foreign projects.
The government stated that procurement is based on transparency, open competition, and value for money, with contracts awarded to the best-value bidder regardless of locality.
For construction tenders above $3 million, the Price Quality Method is used, which scores firms on relevant project experience—local or overseas—and does not require foreign projects.
Agencies may set additional criteria for specific projects, and the BCA can follow up if details are provided about a particular tender.
The response emphasizes that local firms are not inherently disadvantaged under the current scoring framework.

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5 Feb 2024

Support for Rental Households in Toa Payoh Being Relocated Due To Redevelopment

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for National Development about support for over 400 rental households in Toa Payoh being relocated for redevelopment and how such redevelopments align with community stability and affordable housing.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) initiated a relocation exercise in 2021 for 414 households at Blocks 29 and 31 in Lorong 5 Toa Payoh, forming a Care Team with public agencies and community partners to provide door-to-door engagement, on-site counters, and a dedicated hotline.
HDB offered support for vulnerable groups like seniors, including volunteer help for moving, worked with social service agencies to maintain care services, and provided replacement rental flats nearby or across the island to preserve community ties, with households moving mainly to stay near family.
All affected households received a $2,500 rehousing allowance, and those eligible to buy a flat were offered a $15,000 Relocation Grant in addition to other housing grants, and the relocation was completed by May 2023.

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5 Feb 2024

Measures to Mitigate Aircraft Noise at Jurong West Area

Patrick Tay asked the Minister for Defence what measures RSAF has taken at Tengah Airbase to mitigate aircraft noise affecting Jurong West, especially with more residents working from home, nearby schools, and families with infants.
Ng Eng Hen stated that local flying training is essential for pilot proficiency and operational readiness, with flights from Paya Lebar Air Base shifting to Tengah and Changi upon its decommissioning, and the frequency of flights from Tengah depends on RSAF's operational and training needs.
To minimise noise impact, RSAF conducts about 50% of training overseas, uses simulators for local requirements, plans flight routes away from residential areas, and adjusts training tempo during school exams.
MOD and RSAF collaborate with HDB and NEA on noise mitigation for new developments like Tengah New Town, including thicker window glass, façade designs with overhangs or canopies, and building orientation away from flight paths.

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5 Feb 2024

Demand Projections for Executive Condominiums and Land Supply for Such Developments

Gan Thiam Poh questioned the Ministry for National Development about whether it projects an increase in demand for Executive Condominiums (ECs) and why supply is not being increased if no such projection is made.
Desmond Lee explained that the government plans housing supply by considering factors like unsold stock, take-up rates, and market sentiment, with EC supply via the Government Land Sales Programme having steadily increased from 2021 to 2023.
In 2023, the largest EC supply in three years was launched with about 1,260 units, and for 1H 2024, there is one Confirmed List site for 710 units and two Reserve List sites for 855 units.
The government will continue to monitor economic and property conditions and adjust future EC supply in the GLS Programme as needed.

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5 Feb 2024

Update on T5 Development and Changi Airport's Preparation for Increase in Air Traffic

Changi Airport's passenger traffic in December 2023 recovered to about 90% of pre-COVID levels, with full-year 2023 at 86%, and a full recovery to pre-pandemic volumes is expected in 2024.
Terminal 5 development is progressing with construction expected to start next year and become operational in the mid-2030s to meet long-term air travel demand and ensure Singapore's connectivity.
Terminal 2 was fully reopened in November 2023, adding five million passengers per annum to capacity, bringing Changi Airport's total handling capacity to 90 million passengers per annum ahead of Terminal 5's completion.
The air transport sector workforce has recovered to over 95% of pre-COVID numbers and is expected to fully recover this year, with ongoing upskilling and training efforts to support increased capacity.
Changi Airport is accelerating the adoption of automation and technology, such as the New Clearance Concept for immigration, to enhance productivity and manage the anticipated surge in air traffic efficiently.

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5 Feb 2024

Factors Supporting Move of Outram Secondary School to Sengkang and Measures to Retain School's Heritage

The Ministry of Education relocated Outram Secondary School to Sengkang to balance falling demand for secondary school places in its current mature area with rising demand in the North-East, while preserving the school’s identity.
MOE confirmed there will be sufficient secondary school places in the Outram area even after new housing developments, and stakeholder consultations were held before the public announcement.
The school’s history and heritage, including its status as one of Singapore’s oldest schools with its own swimming pool, will be documented and preserved through a heritage space in the new Sengkang building.

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10 Jan 2024

Dormitories Not Meeting Interim Standards under Dormitory Transition Scheme

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked for the number and percentages of purpose-built and factory-converted dormitories not meeting interim standards under the Dormitory Transition Scheme.
Minister Tan See Leng stated that about 80% of purpose-built dormitories and over 95% of factory-converted dormitories do not currently meet the interim standards.
The transition to interim standards is set for completion by 2030, with the first batch expected to finish by 2027, and some dormitories will be exempted due to short remaining lease durations.

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10 Jan 2024

Statistics on Cost of Land Reclamation Project and Proceeds from Sale of Reclaimed Land

From 2000 to June 2023, approximately 74.5 square kilometres of land were reclaimed at a total cost of around $13 billion, funded from Past Reserves.
About 0.5 square kilometres of the reclaimed land were sold via Government Land Sales, generating proceeds of approximately $462 million.
The proceeds from selling the reclaimed land are returned to Past Reserves, as the land forms part of them.

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