Infrastructure & development — Topics

10 Jan 2024

Update on Private Operation of Interim Markets and Offering Subsidised Rentals at Such Markets

Leong Mun Wai questioned why interim markets are privately operated by the community rather than by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and why subsidised rentals cannot be offered at these markets.
The government fully funds permanent replacement hawker centres but not temporary ones; affected stallholders are informed early and may operate at vacant stalls in other centres if available.
Communities can collectively finance, build, and own temporary markets, as seen in the Bukit Timah case, with NEA assisting by securing land at zero cost.
Rental rates at such community-run interim markets are determined by the community itself, not by government subsidies.

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10 Jan 2024

Update on Sheltered Bicycle Parking Facilities at MRT Stations and Possibility of Such Installations

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport about the number of MRT stations with sheltered bicycle parking, plans for all stations, and reasons for any limitations.
Chee Hong Tat, representing the Minister, stated that 13 MRT stations currently have sheltered bicycle parking within their premises.
He added that some stations have sheltered parking provided by adjacent developments, and such facilities are installed only when space is available due to site constraints.

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10 Jan 2024

Possibility of Working with Online Map Providers to Update Maps After Building New Roads

Hazel Poa asked if the Land Transport Authority (LTA) collaborates with online map providers to update maps after new roads are built in areas like Tengah and Bidadari, and how such updates can be more timely.
LTA publishes new road network data on LTA Data Mall, consolidating information from agencies like HDB and JTC, as well as private developers.
LTA proactively informs online map providers of road changes before openings to give them time for updates.
LTA will continue working closely with all relevant parties to ensure map information is updated in a timely manner.

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9 Jan 2024

Extension of Lift Upgrading Programme to HDB Blocks after Main Upgrading Programme but Still Without Direct Lift Access to Flats

Yip Hon Weng asked whether HDB will extend the Lift Upgrading Programme to blocks that have completed Main Upgrading but still lack direct lift access, and if not, what factors impede this and whether stair lifts will be subsidised for wheelchair-bound residents.
Desmond Lee reported that over 5,000 blocks have benefited from the programme, with 99% having direct lift access, but nine blocks still lack it due to technical constraints, leaving residents to climb one flight of stairs.
He noted that while HDB has piloted innovative lift solutions, some blocks remain unfeasible due to high cost or technical limits, and stair lifts are not suitable for large-scale adoption because they obstruct fire escape routes and pose safety risks.
HDB will continue exploring new technologies for lift access, and residents with medical or mobility needs can apply for the Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 to buy a flat with direct lift access.

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9 Jan 2024

Use of Protective Construction Hoardings as Medium for Display of Public Artworks

The Ministry determines eligibility for turning construction hoardings into public artworks based on whether the designs align with URA’s goal to soften construction impacts and enhance streetscapes, with developers having flexibility in choosing creative treatments.
Selection of artists is left to the discretion of developers, who may engage their preferred artists to create designs for hoardings, as the Ministry does not impose a fixed criteria for artist selection.
Criteria for the kinds of artwork displayed are guided by URA’s encouraging of themes such as historical, precinct, or greenery designs, with developers given flexibility to choose appropriate artworks.
The URA is refining a Design Guidelines and Good Practice Guide for Creative Hoarding to be made publicly available, but no specific plans are mentioned to expand artworks on more hoardings across public locations.

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9 Jan 2024

Measures to Enhance Waste Reduction and Recycling Efforts

Dr Wan Rizal inquired about government measures to enhance waste reduction and recycling, especially repurposing incineration ash for construction or land reclamation.
Grace Fu highlighted that Semakau Landfill is over half full and may be exhausted by 2035, but efforts are underway to extend its lifespan through regulatory controls and research into waste residue repurposing.
A specific study with NEA, MPA, and NUS is exploring using ash from Semakau as fill material for Tuas Port, with preliminary results expected soon.
The government stressed the need to advance upstream waste reduction and recycling to achieve the Zero Waste vision.

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9 Jan 2024

Requests from MCSTs to Build Covered Linkways to Their Developments

Over the last five years, the Land Transport Authority received 86 requests from condominiums to build covered linkways to transport nodes, approving 28 of them.
For approved requests, it typically takes six to 10 months from approval to the start of construction, including technical studies and agency approvals.
The debate focused on providing clear figures on requests and approvals to address concerns about pedestrian infrastructure and accessibility.

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9 Jan 2024

Proposal for New MRT Line to Serve Residents in Fernvale, Seletar and Jalan Kayu Estates

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport about the feasibility of a new MRT line for Fernvale, Seletar, and Jalan Kayu estates.
Chee Hong Tat, representing the Minister, stated that the LTA evaluates new MRT lines based on land use, transport options, and engineering factors, with ongoing studies and future updates.
The Minister noted that current residents can access existing MRT lines via bus and LRT, and the upcoming Cross Island Line will also serve these areas.

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9 Jan 2024

Update on Efforts to Alleviate Shortage of Hospital Beds and Nursing Staff in Public Hospitals

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about current shortages of hospital beds and nursing staff, progress on increasing capacity, and whether hospitals face constraints even outside crises, citing an ageing population and complex patient needs.
Minister Ong Ye Kung confirmed that shortages persist post-COVID-19, exacerbated by an ageing population and longer hospital stays, but noted staffing has improved compared to a year ago.
Infrastructure projects are advancing, with Tan Tock Seng-Integrated Care Hub adding 300 beds and Woodlands Health Campus set to open mid-year, while long-term plans like Eastern Integrated Health Campus and Alexandra Hospital redevelopment remain on track.
Hospitals are using alternative models like Transitional Care Facilities and Mobile Inpatient Care@Home to expand capacity and address constraints.

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9 Jan 2024

Reasons for Change of Main Contractor in HDB Projects Midway through Construction

From 2010 to 2023, 19 out of 383 BTO projects required a change of main contractor due to unsatisfactory progress, often linked to financial difficulties.
HDB ensures quality is maintained by selecting replacement contractors with strong track records, coordinating with existing subcontractors, and conducting stringent checks before handing over keys.
Contractors are chosen through a rigorous process using the Price Quality Method, assessing financial health, performance, and safety, while also monitoring ongoing performance to prevent resource overstretch.

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9 Jan 2024

Impact of "Long Island" Project along East Coast Parkway on Maritime Anchorages in Singapore's Eastern Sector

The "Long Island" project will require reconfiguration of anchorages in Singapore's Eastern Sector, with detailed studies to be conducted on sea space needs for both development and ongoing maritime operations.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is implementing initiatives like a Just-in-Time Platform and Active Anchorage Management System to improve efficiency and optimize anchorage usage amid these changes.
The project will not affect the Traffic Separation Scheme in the Straits of Singapore or vessel traffic between the straits and the Port of Singapore, ensuring navigational safety remains intact.

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9 Jan 2024

Social Cohesion through Common Spaces in Residential Estates

Syed Harun Alhabsyi argued that common spaces in residential estates are vital for social cohesion, as they allow genuine, spontaneous interactions across social divides, and suggested that closing such spaces misses opportunities for community compromise and win-win solutions through better urban design and policy.
He highlighted that social cohesion is strengthened when residents navigate differences in shared areas, and urged Parliament to consciously co-create and maintain these spaces to foster understanding and resilience.
Minister Faishal Ibrahim agreed on the importance of social cohesion, noting that HDB and other agencies deliberately design and programme common spaces to encourage community interaction, such as through Community Living Rooms, parks, and events.
The government balances open access with management of conflicts, using town councils to oversee usage and address disamenities, while engaging residents in co-creating solutions through upgrading programmes and initiatives like the Lively Places Programme.
Both speakers emphasized that social cohesion is an ongoing process requiring collective responsibility, with common spaces serving as key arenas for building mutual respect and inclusivity in Singapore’s diverse society.

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9 Jan 2024

Impact of "Long Island" Project along East Coast Parkway on Marine Habitats and Property Prices in the Area

The Minister for National Development outlined that detailed environmental studies, taking about five years, will be conducted for the Long Island reclamation project to assess impacts on marine habitats and develop mitigating measures, with early engagement of the public, nature groups, and academics.
The project aims to provide coastal protection against sea-level rise, enhance water resilience, and create new land for future housing and amenities while largely preserving East Coast Park, with planning and stakeholder consultations starting from 2025.
Parliament members raised concerns about the sourcing of reclamation sand, prompting the Minister to clarify that sand is imported commercially from various countries, with operators required to comply with local laws and Singapore's procurement regulations, though a formal responsible sourcing framework is not yet established.

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22 Nov 2023

Projected Number of HDB Rental Flat Blocks and Units to be Cleared Over Next Five Years

Mr. Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked for the projected number of HDB rental flat blocks and units to be cleared over the next five years.
Minister Desmond Lee stated that eight public rental blocks are planned to be cleared progressively as part of estate renewal and to refresh rental housing stock.
The government will provide relocation support for tenants, assisting them to move to newer rental flats or buy new flats if possible, and is building new rental flats as part of redevelopment plans.

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22 Nov 2023

Centralised Cooling System Opt-out Waiver for HDB Home Owners

Member Zhulkarnain asked whether HDB home owners cancelling centralised cooling system installation can get a full fee waiver, if HDB plans to roll out the system in future BTO projects, and whether HDB has tested the system in commercial buildings.
Minister Lee explained that the Tengah CCS pilot offers a 30-day cooling-off period, with fees applied after that, but SP Group has reduced charges by 50% for those terminating and offers instalment plans for financial difficulties.
The Minister noted that while chilled water systems are used commercially, the Tengah CCS is the first such deployment in public housing, and HDB has not installed CCS in any commercial buildings it manages.
HDB will monitor performance and feedback before deciding on wider implementation, and the pilot currently allows opt-out with reduced fees but not a full waiver.

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22 Nov 2023

Increasing Amenities and Connectivity in Lentor Area

Yip Hon Weng asked whether there are plans to increase amenities like hawker centres and car parks and improve traffic connectivity in the Lentor area, given upcoming housing developments.
Desmond Lee responded that the Urban Redevelopment Authority collaborates with agencies and developers to ensure sufficient infrastructure and amenities, including retail, F&B, and a neighbourhood park in the Lentor Hills Estate.
He noted that the area is already well-served by hawker centres, eateries, and the Lentor MRT Station, with road capacity ensured through completed traffic studies and improvements.
Agencies will continue engaging local stakeholders to address feedback and meet residents' needs.

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22 Nov 2023

Update on Framework for Allocating and Pricing Land for Places of Worship

The Government has introduced a new framework for allocating land to places of worship through a ballot system with predetermined prices based on fair market value, instead of competitive tenders.
The first two sites under this revised framework were launched in September 2023 for a church and a temple, with applications closing in November 2023.
As of October 2023, 32 religious organizations have applied to renew their leases under the new system, with seven having completed the process at an average premium about 47% lower than previous new site tenders.
Religious leaders have welcomed the new framework as a more sustainable approach to allocating land for places of worship.

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22 Nov 2023

Update on Status of Woodleigh Village Hawker Centre at Block 202C Woodleigh Link in Bidadari Estate

Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment when the Woodleigh Village Hawker Centre at Block 202C Woodleigh Link will be completed and its projected opening date for Bidadari residents.
Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that construction is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
She added that the hawker centre is projected to open in the first half of 2024.

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22 Nov 2023

Update on Status of Bukit Batok Hawker Centre

Murali Pillai requested an update on the expected start and completion dates for the Bukit Batok Hawker Centre, which was announced in 2019 as part of a project co-located with assisted living flats.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that the hawker centre is under construction and its completion will align with the overall HDB development, scheduled for 2024.
The National Environment Agency is coordinating with HDB on the timeline and will share confirmed dates once plans are finalized.

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22 Nov 2023

Traffic Impact Assessments for Faber Hills Estate and Mitigation Measures for Better Traffic Connectivity

Dr Tan Wu Meng inquired about reviewing traffic impact assessments for the Faber Hills estate due to new housing developments and resident experiences, and whether additional mitigation measures would be considered.
Chee Hong Tat, representing the Minister, stated that the Land Transport Authority requires developers to conduct Transport Impact Assessments for new major developments, with a TIA already completed for Faber Hills in March 2019.
Road improvement measures such as widening roads and improving junctions were identified and implemented to handle increased traffic, with LTA continuing to monitor conditions post-development.

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