Infrastructure & development — Topics

2 Aug 2023

Land Area Occupied by Black and White Bungalows and Occupancy Rate

Leong Mun Wai asked for the total land and built-up area of black and white bungalows in Singapore, their occupancy rate as of 30 June 2023, and the median vacancy period.
The Second Minister for Law explained that the Singapore Land Authority manages around 600 heritage black and white bungalows among 2,600 state properties, with land usage guided by the URA Master Plan.
Heritage bungalows rented for residential use may include adjacent state land in their tenancy boundary, while those used commercially may have land excluded for other purposes.
SLA balances heritage preservation with redevelopment needs, and occupancy rates for these bungalows typically reflect market conditions.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2023

Termination of Main Contractor for HDB's Punggol Point Cove BTO Project

HDB terminated CKR Contract Services for Punggol Point Cove due to unsatisfactory progress and failure to meet milestones, despite HDB’s support efforts such as facilitating round-the-clock works and advance payments.
The termination aims to safeguard flat buyers’ interests, with HDB striving to give at least six months’ notice for any completion date changes and actively seeking a new contractor to finish the project by Q4 2024 to Q1 2025.
CKR remains the contractor for other HDB projects like Eunos Court and Toh Guan Grove, with HDB closely monitoring progress to ensure timely completion.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2023

Residents Affected by Delays in HDB's BTO Projects Caused by COVID-19 Pandemic and Interim Housing Options Offered

About 22,000 households are still affected by ongoing delays in 28% of BTO projects, with key collection expected by early 2025.
Eligible flat buyers needing temporary housing can apply for the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme or, for low-income households without alternatives, Interim Rental Housing on a case-by-case basis.
HDB provides automatic maximum monetary reimbursement under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act for delays beyond the Delivery Possession Dates, without requiring claims or proof.
HDB is working with contractors to minimize further delays while ensuring safety and quality, and balancing rental scheme allocations to prioritize the most needy households.
The majority of delayed projects (72%) have been completed, with 49,000 out of 71,000 affected households already invited to collect keys.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2023

Authenticity of Quotations for Star Rate Items in Development Project under State Courts

Murali Pillai inquired about the authenticity of quotations for star rate items in the State Courts development project, asking if they came from the contractor or subcontractors and whether there was a proactive review following the previous year’s AGO report.
K Shanmugam stated that the quotations were provided by subcontractors to the project consultant, with independent checks by the consultant and other parties to ensure fair market pricing, but due to AGO’s concerns, a police report was lodged and investigations are ongoing.
The State Courts have implemented segregated duties, independent validations, and engaged in training and reminders to officers and contractors, while also adopting additional measures from the Ministry of Finance to strengthen controls.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Jul 2023

Efforts to Address Possible Traffic Congestion around Serangoon North Avenue 1

Mr Leon Perera raised concerns about potential traffic congestion near Serangoon North Avenue 1 due to new residents moving into the Affinity@Serangoon condominium and HDB BTO Serangoon North Vista.
The Land Transport Authority requires developers to conduct Transport Impact Assessments for major developments, and the Affinity@Serangoon developer has done so, considering nearby projects.
To manage increased traffic, works are underway to widen Serangoon North Avenue 1 with an additional lane and add turning lanes at the junction with Yio Chu Kang Road, with completion starting this year.
LTA is upgrading bus stops and constructing wider footpaths and cycling paths to encourage walking and cycling to the upcoming Cross Island Line Serangoon North MRT station.
LTA will continue monitoring the area after the developments are completed and implement further improvements as needed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Jul 2023

Approach to Governance and Planning of Sea Spaces

The Ministry of National Development outlined that Temporary Occupation Licences for sea spaces are granted only after consultations with agencies like NParks, NEA, MPA, and SFA, and clearances from technical agencies and URA, ensuring environmental and developmental considerations are addressed.
URA coordinates long-term planning for sea spaces through the Long-Term Plan Review, focusing on maritime industry use, aquaculture, utilities, and recreation while minimizing environmental impact, and continues to engage stakeholders like nature groups and the community.
Environmental impact assessments are conducted based on case-by-case evaluations guided by the Ecological Profiling Exercise, with ongoing monitoring and mitigation measures, though specific thresholds for significant impact are not detailed in the response.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Jul 2023

Target Green Plot Ratio for BTO Projects

Leon Perera inquired about whether new BTO projects have a target Green Plot Ratio and the average ratio for recent completed projects.
Desmond Lee stated that since 2016, all new public housing developments must meet a minimum Green Plot Ratio of 4.5, meaning the total leaf area is at least 4.5 times the site area.
In the past three years, 95% of completed BTO projects achieved the minimum ratio, with an average Green Plot Ratio of 5.5, though three projects fell short due to space constraints.
The government is committed to ensuring sustainable and liveable public housing with adequate green spaces.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Jul 2023

Update on New Tourism Development in Jurong Lake District

The Singapore Tourism Board launched a request for proposal for a tourism development in Jurong Lake District in March 2022, which received no submissions due to global economic uncertainties, but the site's potential remains strong given its proximity to the new Science Centre and Jurong Lake Gardens.
The government is focused on advancing the Jurong Lake District's development through upcoming rail connectivity improvements and the launch of a master development sale site, aiming to transform it into a major mixed-use business district and employment centre over the next 10 to 15 years.
The tourism development site, separate from the master development site, is intended for attraction and leisure uses with ancillary hotel and retail, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority and Singapore Tourism Board are monitoring the market while exploring complementary possibilities for the lakefront location.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2023

Enhancing Redundancy of Singapore's Undersea Cable Communications Networks

Tan Wu Meng sought an update on measures to enhance the redundancy of Singapore's undersea cable networks and ensure bandwidth for essential services like the financial sector.
Josephine Teo referred to a prior parliamentary reply from November 2022 detailing safeguards against sabotage and disruptions to submarine cables.
The Ministry plans to allocate more space and landing resources to support growing bandwidth needs from submarine cable operators.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2023

Integration of Trunking Design of Centralised Cooling System in Tengah's BTO Flats

HDB confirmed that SP Group directly manages all CCS sign-ups, installations, and maintenance, engaging flat owners early with mock-ups and trunking layouts.
SP Group has addressed residents' concerns on trunking placement by explaining differences from conventional systems and offering subsidised interior design options to conceal trunking.
Both HDB and SP Group will continue monitoring feedback to ensure the CCS integrates energy efficiency with the aesthetic design of Tengah flats.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2023

Expansion of Landscaping for Urban Spaces and High-Rises Programme

Leon Perera asked the Minister for National Development about URA’s plans to expand the LUSH programme to new areas or extend existing boundaries.
Desmond Lee explained that the LUSH programme was introduced in 2009 to promote skyrise greenery through planning requirements and incentives, and it expanded island-wide from 2014.
URA is currently reviewing the programme and will provide more details once the review is complete.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2023

Projected Number of Integrated Blocks of HDB Flats with Rental and Sold Units

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development about the planned number of integrated HDB blocks with both rental and sold units over the next five years.
Desmond Lee provided a table showing the number of such integrated blocks currently under construction and scheduled for completion in each of the next five years.
The government will continue building rental flats within integrated blocks, including in Prime Location Public Housing projects, to maintain inclusive neighborhoods.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2023

Ensuring Projects in Southern Islands are Phased Out to Minimise Harm to Biodiversity

Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked how the Government harmonises and stages Southern Islands projects to minimise biodiversity harm, whether a coordinated inter-agency workgroup can be formed, and if clear environmental impact assessments are required before projects start.
Desmond Lee responded that a whole-of-Government approach coordinates land use plans, integrating ecological considerations through agencies like NParks and using studies such as the Ecological Profiling Exercise and Southern Islands Biodiversity Survey.
Agencies consult technical bodies like NParks and NEA during feasibility studies to consider environmental impacts, and an Environmental Impact Assessment is conducted if impacts are significant, with mitigating measures and cumulative impacts monitored.
The Government continues to work with agencies, nature groups, and stakeholders to ensure sustainable development of the Southern Islands, phasing projects to balance marine conservation with development.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2023

HDB Blocks Without Lift Access after Completion of First Round of Lift Upgrading Programme and Subsequent Retrofitting

Gerald Giam asked about the number and locations of HDB blocks still without direct lift access after the Lift Upgrading Programme, the criteria for retrofitting, and whether new solutions will be adopted in the future.
Desmond Lee responded that about 140 HDB blocks island-wide lack direct lift access due to high costs or technical constraints, with some blocks having lifts that stop at different levels requiring residents to climb one flight of stairs.
HDB has piloted innovative solutions like machine room-less lifts, home lifts, and bubble lifts to bring direct lift access to more blocks and will continue exploring new technologies where feasible.
Residents with urgent medical or mobility needs can apply for the Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 to buy another flat with direct lift access.
HDB remains committed to retrofitting units with direct lift access as new design and technical solutions become available.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2023

Support and Redress Available to Residents Affected by Burst Water Mains

Dr. Tan Wu Meng asked about the support and redress available to residents affected by burst water mains under PUB jurisdiction.
PUB will quickly isolate and repair leaks, inform affected customers, and provide immediate support like water wagons and water bags.
Most pipe leaks do not affect homes, but when they do, PUB investigates and offers additional assistance on a case-by-case basis.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2023

Provision of Required Bicycle Parking by Developers

Ms He Ting Ru asked how many developments fall under the lower bound of the bicycle parking requirement, whether the Ministry assesses the sufficiency of current rules, and if the requirement could be increased for better access in a car-light society.
Minister S Iswaran stated that since 2018, the Land Transport Authority has set minimum bicycle parking provisions based on development type, location, and gross floor area, applying to new or redeveloped buildings, with all submissions meeting or exceeding the requirements.
The Ministry monitors adequacy through surveys and feedback, works with developers to add parking where demand is high, and incentivizes them by exempting bicycle parking spaces from the building’s gross floor area calculation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2023

Impact of Recent Heatwave on Electricity Consumption in Residential and Commercial Premises

Murali Pillai inquired about the impact of the recent heatwave on electricity consumption and costs in residential and commercial premises, and the steps to ensure future grid capacity.
Gan Kim Yong noted that electricity consumption typically rises during hotter months, with peak demand increasing by about 8% from February to May this year, though costs vary by usage and pricing plans.
He assured that Singapore's current power generation capacity is sufficient to meet increased demand, with 9.4 gigawatts of installed capacity exceeding the peak demand of 7.9 gigawatts.
The Energy Market Authority plans to introduce a centralized tender in 2023 to guide private investments in new generation capacity, with the authority ready to build capacity if private interest is inadequate.
Electricity demand forecasts are updated annually to guide investments in generation capacity and grid infrastructure upgrades, ensuring future reliability amid changing climatic conditions.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2023

Installation of Electric-charging Stations for Use by Harbour Launches and Harbour Craft

Dennis Tan asked about plans to install more electric charging stations for harbour craft beyond the first one at Pulau Bukom and what assistance is available for owners to convert to net-zero fuels.
The MPA plans to roll out charging infrastructure from 2025 and is working with research partners to determine power needs and identify suitable locations for new stations.
MPA supports research and pilots for alternative net-zero fuels and offers a five-year port dues waiver for new harbour craft using low or zero-carbon fuels or fully electric models.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2023

Increasing Size and Tenant Numbers at Wet Market at Pasir Ris Drive 4 and 6 due to Recent Increase in BTO Flats Launched

Sharael Taha proposed expanding the wet market at Pasir Ris Drive 4 and 6 and increasing hawker numbers due to new BTO flats bringing more residents.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB’s town and neighbourhood centre planning ensures most residents have shops within a 10-minute walk, including near the new Costa Grove BTO.
Future Costa Grove residents can access fresh produce from a supermarket at the town centre or a minimart within the BTO project.
Given existing shop and market provision, HDB has no plans to expand the Pasir Ris Drive 4 wet market but will monitor after the Pasir Ris 8 integrated development mall completes in 2024.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Jul 2023

Better Coordination for Government Agencies' Major Construction Works in Residential Estates

The Road Opening Coordination Committee consolidates planned construction and utility works across agencies to minimize road excavations and closures.
Agencies limit closures to one lane with replacement lanes where possible, and use impact assessments and mitigation measures for major works like the Cross Island Line construction.
Engagements with affected stakeholders, including motorists, are conducted to ensure public awareness and allow adjustments to travel plans.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source