Infrastructure & development — Topics

22 Nov 2023

Lessons from Feedback on Centralised Cooling System by Tengah Town Home Owners

Minister Desmond Lee explained that the centralised cooling system (CCS) in Tengah Town, a pilot developed with SP Group, provides an energy-efficient alternative to conventional air-conditioning, with HDB delivering the necessary infrastructure and SP Group managing installation, resident communications, and contracts.
The Ministry acknowledged feedback from residents about water seepage and insufficient cooling, attributing these issues to compressed timelines from COVID-19 delays that limited pre-handover testing, and noted that most defects have been resolved, with SP Group offering quality checks and waiving usage charges for the year.
HDB and the Ministry emphasise the importance of learning from such pilots, engaging stakeholders closely, and providing options like air-con ledges, while monitoring CCS performance and ground feedback before deciding on wider-scale implementation in new HDB flats.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

22 Nov 2023

Retention of Shuttle Tebrau Service after Commencement of Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link

The Ministry for Transport confirmed that the Shuttle Tebrau service will be discontinued six months after the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) begins passenger services, per an agreement with Malaysia.
The RTS Link is designed to handle up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction, significantly exceeding the current shuttle’s daily capacity of under 10,000 people.
Alternative cross-border travel options, such as bus and ferry services, will remain available to commuters after the RTS Link commences operation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

22 Nov 2023

Allocation of More Funds for Aesthetic Covered Linkways Near Founders' Memorial Area and Other Tourist Attractions

Lim Biow Chuan proposed increasing funds to make covered linkways near the Founders’ Memorial and other tourist spots more aesthetically pleasing rather than just functional.
Chee Hong Tat, representing the Minister for Transport, confirmed that covered linkways will be built within the Founders’ Memorial area to connect key sites and the MRT station.
The response emphasized that these linkways will be designed to be both functional and aesthetically appropriate for the area.
The debate centered on balancing practicality with enhanced visual appeal in public infrastructure near tourist attractions.
No additional funding was explicitly committed beyond the planned developments mentioned.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2023

Maintaining Competitiveness of Singapore's Seaports

Miss Cheryl Chan inquired about strategies to sustain Singapore's seaport competitiveness amid Thailand's plans for deep seaports and inland systems.
Chee Hong Tat responded that the matter was previously addressed in Parliament on 7 November 2023, referencing an official report on Thailand's land bridge project impact.
The government will continue to monitor and respond to regional developments to uphold Singapore's trade lanes and seaport standing.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2023

Enhancing Public Rental Housing for Human Thriving

MP Carrie Tan urged redesigning public rental flats with more space and better aesthetics to support residents' physical health, mental well-being, and children's development, arguing that current living conditions can hinder social mobility and civic behavior.
The Minister of State acknowledged the importance of design and highlighted ongoing efforts, including integrated rental-sold blocks, improved flat layouts, and pilot programs like Single Room Shared Facilities to enhance living environments.
Both sides emphasized holistic support combining housing design with social services, such as ComLink+ and housing grants, to help rental families achieve stability and eventual home ownership.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2023

Impact of Thailand’s Proposed Land Bridge Project on Singapore’s Competitiveness as Global Seaport

Thailand’s proposed land bridge could shorten shipping times by a few days compared to the Straits of Malacca, but may involve additional costs and logistical complexities for shipping companies.
Singapore is enhancing its port competitiveness through technology, productivity improvements, cleaner fuel development, and expanding capacity via the Tuas Port project.
The government acknowledges global competition but emphasizes Singapore’s focus on connectivity, productivity, and network effects to maintain its hub status.
Officials noted that ASEAN transport discussions on such projects are ongoing, and the worst-case impact on Singapore’s hub status is mitigated by continuous efforts to stay relevant and competitive.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Nov 2023

Energy Resilience in Singapore

Singapore has improved energy resilience by diversifying natural gas imports through its first LNG terminal and standby facilities, ensuring stable supply amid global disruptions like the Russia-Ukraine war, and planning a second terminal and centralized gas procurement for better pricing and reliability.
To maintain adequacy in generation capacity, Singapore exceeds its reserve margin requirement, launched a Request for Proposal for new capacity by 2028, and commissioned fast-response gas turbine units to address unplanned outages within minutes.
The government will strengthen grid reliability by enforcing stringent standards, monitoring the network 24/7, and ensuring continuous investment in infrastructure to keep interruption times minimal and support growing energy demands.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Nov 2023

Reasons For Power Outage to Block 102 Potong Pasir Avenue 1 on 13 October 2023

The power outage on 13 October 2023 was caused by a damaged backup cable due to termite infestation during substation upgrading works by SP PowerGrid.
The voltage fluctuations affected 41 households in Block 102 Potong Pasir Avenue 1, causing electrical appliances to trip or malfunction.
SP PowerGrid resolved the issue within 30 minutes and is working with the town council to assist affected residents.
The Energy Market Authority has collaborated with SP PowerGrid to review workflows for upgrading works to prevent similar incidents.
Residents are being supported through reparations and assistance efforts coordinated with the town council.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Nov 2023

Heat Emissions from Top Floors of Multi-storey Car Parks with and without Rooftop Gardens

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked HDB to study heat emissions from top floors of multi-storey car parks (MSCPs), whether rooftop gardens emit less heat, and the practical limits to converting underused MSCP decks into gardens.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB converts underused MSCP rooftops to greenery and community gardens via a tray system, which studies show can reduce surface temperatures by an average of four degrees Celsius compared to bare concrete.
He noted that not all MSCP rooftops are suitable for conversion due to factors like structural load, utility availability, resident disamenities, fire safety, and area development plans.
The government will continue exploring ways to make good use of HDB MSCP rooftops, including for other community benefits beyond gardens.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Nov 2023

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Rezoning of Sungei Serangoon from "Park" to "Road" to Build Bus Depot

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked whether an environmental impact assessment was conducted for the proposed rezoning at Sungei Serangoon from "park" to "road" for a bus depot, and if such studies could be disclosed.
The Minister for National Development, Desmond Lee, stated that environmental studies are required for developments with significant impact, but an assessment was not needed for this project as the site is a brownfield area with limited sensitive habitats.
To mitigate any negative environmental impact, the Land Transport Authority will implement earth control measures and restrict working hours during construction.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Oct 2023

Projected Number and Proportion of HDB BTO Units that Will Be Launched under New Standard, Plus and Prime Flat Classifications

The Minister for National Development stated that HDB will introduce Standard, Plus, and Prime flat classifications from the second half of 2024, with Standard flats forming the majority across all regions and Prime and Plus flats in choicer locations offering more subsidies but stricter restrictions.
HDB is committed to a steady supply of new BTO flats to meet Singaporeans' needs, building within or near existing estates and central areas, while keeping home ownership affordable and maintaining a social mix.
The exact projected number and proportion of BTO units under each classification for the next five, ten, and twenty years were not provided in the response; the classification of flats will be announced at each sales launch.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Oct 2023

Number of Public Rental Housing Units to be Built

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development about the number of public rental housing units to be built each year for the next five years and the percentage that will be in integrated versus dedicated rental blocks.
Minister Desmond Lee stated that about 900 public rental flats are under construction and will be completed over the next five years.
About one-third of these flats will be in integrated blocks with both sold and rental units, while the remaining will be in dedicated public rental blocks.
The government plans to continue building rental flats in integrated blocks across Standard, Plus and Prime projects to maintain inclusive neighbourhoods.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Oct 2023

Adequacy of Existing Flood Prevention Measures for Underground MRT Stations

Melvin Yong Yik Chye questioned the adequacy of current flood prevention measures for underground MRT stations and whether they need enhancement due to increased rainfall from climate change.
Chee Hong Tat, for the Minister for Transport, stated that MRT infrastructure design considers climate change scenarios based on national studies and complies with PUB’s drainage code, with new stations featuring elevated entrances.
Existing stations not meeting the latest standards have additional measures like flood barriers, which are maintained regularly, and operators conduct staff training and drills to ensure readiness for flooding incidents.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Oct 2023

Considerations in Siting Proposed Brickland MRT Station at Current Planned Location

The planned Brickland MRT station was selected after engineering studies and consultations to serve about 13,000 households and future developments in Keat Hong, Bukit Batok West, Pavilion Park, and Tengah’s Brickland district.
Moving the station along Brickland Road is not feasible because the existing North-South Line tracks in that area are curved and sloped, and realigning them would disrupt train operations and cause greater disamenities to residents.
Residents will also benefit from the upcoming Jurong Region Line, and bus services will be reviewed to improve last-mile connectivity to the stations.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Oct 2023

Update on Regional Power Grid Trials Commenced in 2022

The Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project has successfully imported about 270 gigawatt hours of electricity to Singapore since its start in June 2022, with trading continuing at up to 100 megawatts and discussions ongoing for higher capacity.
Singapore is pursuing additional electricity imports through ongoing Requests for Proposal, with Conditional Approvals issued for one gigawatt from Cambodia and two gigawatts from Indonesia to meet its 2035 target of four gigawatts of low-carbon electricity.
The LTMS-PIP is viewed as a feasible model for regional collaboration, accelerating efforts toward the ASEAN Power Grid and enhancing energy security and sustainability in the region.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Oct 2023

Renewal of Existing Leases for Places of Worship Land under Revised Land and Pricing Allocation Framework

Murali Pillai asked whether religious organisations renewing leases for places of worship land should have to meet the same qualification criteria as those applying for new land through the ballot system to ensure they continue community-focused programmes.
K Shanmugam explained that the prequalification criteria for new land balloting aim to prioritise religious organisations that contribute to the community and demonstrate need.
He noted that lease renewals are assessed separately by agencies based on whether the land use aligns with planning intentions and whether the organisation continues to serve community needs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Oct 2023

Extension of 24/7 On-demand Audible Traffic Signals to More Town Centres

The LTA has equipped 1,300 pedestrian crossings with audible traffic signals operating from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm to assist persons with visual impairment while minimizing late-night noise.
As part of the Enabling Masterplan 2030, 325 crossings across 10 town centres are being upgraded to 24/7 on-demand signals by 2025, with 62 completed so far; the usefulness will be monitored before considering further expansion.
LTA has received an average of eight noise complaints annually over the past five years, typically resolved by reducing audio device volume.
LTA is studying the feasibility of integrating traffic signals with third-party applications to enhance mobility for persons with visual impairment.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Oct 2023

Use of Past Reserves to Fund Projects to Mitigate Climate Change

The Government is not currently considering using past Reserves to fund climate mitigation projects but will instead allocate resources through annual Budgets to achieve net-zero targets.
For adaptation measures like protecting against rising sea levels, the Government is studying long-term solutions such as land reclamation, seawalls, and flood barriers.
Funding for these adaptation measures will come from a mix of sources, including the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund, long-term borrowing via SINGA bonds, and the use of past Reserves for land reclamation costs.
The Government aims to ensure that financing these measures is fiscally sustainable and equitable across generations.
No specific projects are currently funded by past Reserves, but the approach to financing adaptation will continue to be studied.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Oct 2023

E-bike Models Approved to Date

As of August 2023, 66 e-bike models have been approved, with 17 new models approved since January 2023, and about 26,300 e-bikes were registered from 2020 to 2022.
In the same period, 3,000 non-compliant e-bikes were detected, 10,900 riders were caught riding illegally on prohibited paths, and there were 380 road and 50 off-road accidents involving e-bikes.
The government is working with suppliers to increase approved models, enforcing fines for illegal use, and expanding cycling paths to 1,300 km by 2030, with construction starting in areas like Nanyang from 2024.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2023

Plans to Increase Transport Connectivity in Keat Hong and Brickland in Chua Chu Kang with Opening of NS3A Brickland MRT Station

Residents in Keat Hong and Brickland currently have access to multiple bus services for first-and-last-mile connectivity, and the future NS3A Brickland and JS2 Choa Chu Kang West MRT stations will enhance direct access to the rail network.
The Land Transport Authority will monitor travel patterns and adjust bus services, including improving frequency, to meet demand in new estates.
LTA will conduct a further review of bus services once the new MRT stations are operational to improve connectivity to these nodes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source