Infrastructure & development — Topics

8 May 2023

Feasibility Study on New MRT Line Serving North and North-east Regions

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim sought an update on a feasibility study for a new MRT line serving the north and north-east regions, separate from existing lines, as announced in the Land Transport Master Plan 2040.
Minister S Iswaran emphasized that rail projects are major, complex investments requiring assessment of factors like land use, public transport options, and engineering considerations.
He confirmed that the Land Transport Authority's studies are ongoing and updates will be provided when ready.

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8 May 2023

Infrastructural Initiatives with Malaysia to Allow Cross-border Travel for Singapore's Electric Vehicles

Singapore EV drivers can currently charge their vehicles at various Malaysian locations along the North-South highway, with some operators offering unified payment apps for cross-border use.
The Singapore government is collaborating with Malaysia to further facilitate cross-border EV charging.
Both countries are working to coordinate standards to enhance interoperability for charging infrastructure.

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8 May 2023

Progress on Construction of New Serangoon Polyclinic

Seah Kian Peng requested an update on the construction progress of the new Serangoon Polyclinic and asked when it would begin operating to serve local residents.
Ong Ye Kung confirmed that the polyclinic is under construction and is on track to open by 2025.
The debate highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure in the Serangoon area.

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8 May 2023

Loss by Government Agencies from Insolvency of Building and Infrastructure Contractors since COVID-19

About 2% of Government construction contracts were prematurely terminated due to contractor insolvency since COVID-19, leading to an additional $450 million needed to hire replacement contractors.
Government agencies selected new contractors through competitive bids assessed against market rates and negotiated to lower prices where possible.
Agencies also called on performance bonds from insolvent contractors to offset some of the cost increases.

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8 May 2023

Meeting the Transport Needs of Singaporeans

The Minister emphasized that Singapore’s transport strategy prioritizes public and active mobility over private car ownership due to land and carbon constraints, with major investments in expanding the rail network and cycling paths to support a car-lite future.
The Certificates of Entitlement (COE) system remains essential for managing limited vehicle supply, and recent measures like bringing forward expiring five-year COEs aim to smoothen supply volatility, though long-term COE prices are expected to rise with incomes and zero vehicle growth.
Concerns about private hire vehicles (PHCs) impacting COE prices are under study, but data shows no clear causality, and officials caution against arbitrary caps that could undermine flexible transport options.
The debate highlighted suggestions for improving equity in car ownership, such as using OMV criteria or balloting, but the Minister explained the complexities and reaffirmed the focus on maintaining an efficient market while supporting targeted assistance for those in need.

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21 Apr 2023

HDB Accommodation Options for Persons with Disabilities in Public Rental Housing and New BTO Developments

HDB designs all new public housing, including rental and BTO flats, to be accessible to persons with disabilities by complying with the Building and Construction Authority’s Code on Accessibility and incorporating universal design features like barrier-free routes and ramps.
Persons with disabilities living in HDB flats can access home-based care services, such as Home Personal Care, to support their daily needs.
A task force under the Enabling Masterplan 2030 is developing new community living models for persons with disabilities, with recommendations expected later this year to guide future housing and care options in HDB estates.

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21 Apr 2023

Probe into White Discharge Found in Outlet Drain along Hougang Avenue 10

The white discharge in the Hougang Avenue 10 drain was traced to paint products from a construction site in Serangoon North.
The Public Utilities Board directed the site contractor to clean up all remnants of the discharge from the drains.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and enforcement action will be taken against those found responsible under the Environmental Protection and Management Act.

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21 Apr 2023

Upgrading Plans for Changi Airfreight Centre

Dennis Tan inquired about plans to upgrade the Changi Airfreight Centre and whether expansion plans would be resumed or increased with the restart of Changi Airport Terminal 5 construction.
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore are reviewing air cargo demand post-COVID to determine necessary upgrades, considering global trade and supply chain shifts.
Air freight operators are adopting automation and digitalisation to enhance productivity and capacity at the Changi Airfreight Centre.
Planning for the Changi East Industrial Zone has resumed, expected to double air cargo handling capacity to 5.4 million tonnes annually by the mid-2030s.

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17 Apr 2023

Debate on President's Address

The debate centered on the President's Address, with speakers supporting the Government's long-term plans for Singapore's future, including infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation, while emphasizing the need for consensus, trust, and unity to execute these decades-long projects effectively.
Key discussions highlighted challenges in meritocracy, social inequality, and cost of living, with calls for broader definitions of success, support for lower-wage workers, and measures to address wealth disparities, including inheritance taxes and improved social safety nets.
Education reform was a major focus, with proposals to reduce exam pressure, introduce through-train programs, and enhance financial literacy, while also stressing the importance of lifelong learning and skills development in a changing economy.
The debate underscored the need for collective responsibility, tripartite cooperation, and a refreshed social compact to ensure inclusive growth, support for vulnerable groups, and resilience in the face of global uncertainties, with the Forward Singapore exercise aimed at engaging citizens in shaping policies.

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10 Apr 2023

Ministry of Transport

The Ministry of Transport will strengthen Singapore’s aviation and maritime hubs through infrastructure upgrades like Changi Airport Terminal 5 and Tuas Port, while enhancing workforce capabilities and digitalisation to support growth and competitiveness.
Sustainability is a key focus, with plans for cleaner energy vehicles at Changi Airport, electric harbour craft, and regulatory milestones to phase out diesel and combustion engine vehicles, alongside expanding EV charging infrastructure.
The government will expand the rail network by 100 kilometres to improve public transport accessibility, while ensuring fiscal sustainability through a shared responsibility model and reviewing fare adjustments for affordability.
Initiatives to make transport more inclusive include retrofitting pedestrian facilities, expanding cycling paths, and piloting Friendly Streets to better serve seniors and persons with disabilities.

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10 Apr 2023

Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment is implementing the Singapore Green Plan 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions, raise the carbon tax to $50–80 per tonne by 2030, and support households and businesses in reducing their carbon footprint.
The government is enhancing climate adaptation by investing in flood control, coastal protection, and urban heat mitigation measures, while increasing food resilience through local production and diversified imports.
Singapore is promoting a circular economy via the Extended Producer Responsibility framework and advancing waste reduction and sustainable production practices across industries.

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10 Apr 2023

Ministry of National Development

The Ministry of National Development will refresh its housing and planning strategies based on extensive public engagement, aiming to update land use plans, maintain a steady pipeline of housing completions, and keep the property market stable.
A new social compact on housing will support families, maintain inclusivity in prime areas, provide more options for singles and seniors, and focus on community-building, estate rejuvenation, and promoting mutual respect in neighborhoods.
The Ministry plans bold long-term transformations, such as the Greater Southern Waterfront and relocating Paya Lebar Airbase, to create new sustainable towns while preserving Singapore's natural heritage and identity amid climate challenges.
Efforts will strengthen the built environment sector by promoting productivity, reducing reliance on foreign manpower, and advancing sustainability to meet net-zero emissions by 2050, ensuring resilience and vibrancy for future generations.

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10 Apr 2023

Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health will strengthen pandemic preparedness by establishing a Communicable Diseases Agency, a permanent Crisis Strategy and Operations Group, and a healthcare reserve force, while advancing research and vaccine strategies through programmes like PREPARE.
Major investments will expand healthcare infrastructure, including new hospitals, polyclinics, and nursing homes, to add 1,900 public hospital beds and increase nursing home capacity to over 31,000 by 2030, alongside upgrading IT systems and growing the healthcare workforce by 40%.
A key focus is preventive care through initiatives like Healthier SG, which will enrol residents from July 2023, integrate health education in schools, and update regulations to make healthcare services and financing more premise-neutral.
For seniors, the default will be ageing in the community, supported by senior-friendly housing, expanded Active Ageing Centres, and strengthened palliative care, including enhanced financial support and care transitions.
MOH will embrace medical advances like precision medicine and AI while developing policies, legislation, and ethical frameworks to ensure their safe, evidence-based, and affordable integration into Singapore's healthcare system.

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22 Mar 2023

Larger Role for Singapore in Realising ASEAN Power Grid

Singapore is committed to participating in the ASEAN Power Grid initiative through collaborations on pathfinder projects and memoranda of understanding with regional partners to advance renewable energy and cross-border electricity trading.
The government has signed an MOU with Indonesia on renewable energy cooperation and is working with the United States on a feasibility study to support regional energy connectivity and decarbonisation efforts.
The government does not plan to make direct investments in cross-border infrastructure but will focus on creating frameworks and ecosystems that enable commercial players to build the necessary infrastructure.

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21 Mar 2023

Changi Airport Terminal 5 Sustainability and Climate Change Mitigation Measures

The Minister highlighted that the Ministry’s 2022 factsheet details how Terminal 5 is being designed as a green and sustainable building.
Changi Airport Group’s 2022 Sustainability Report outlines specific climate resilience measures, such as enhanced drainage, tidal gates, and raising the platform at Changi East to 5.5 metres above sea level.
The government has provided written responses on mitigating temperature increases, and will continue to monitor technology to keep Terminal 5 sustainable and climate-resilient.

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20 Mar 2023

Vary Choice of Locations in Consecutive BTO Sales Exercises

Dennis Tan asked if HDB can vary location choices in consecutive BTO sales exercises to provide more options for unsuccessful buyers.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB aims for a good geographical spread in each launch but is constrained by land availability and the need to ensure viable infrastructure in new towns like Tengah.
Recent and upcoming BTO launches include a mix of mature and non-mature estates across multiple towns, with plans to release 100,000 flats from 2021 to 2025.
Buyers with specific location preferences may consider resale flats, which come with housing grants of up to $190,000 for first-timers.

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20 Mar 2023

Measures to Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect from Transport Infrastructure

Leon Perera asked about measures to reduce the urban heat island effect from transport infrastructure like flyovers, viaducts, and MRT tracks in residential areas.
S Iswaran outlined steps such as using Green Mark standards, planters, and shaded structures to cut heat absorption, plus energy-efficient designs like solar panels and LED lighting in stations and depots.
The government promotes public transport to slash carbon footprints and is electrifying vehicles to further lower emissions, while reviewing designs and exploring cooling technologies like plastic-bituminous asphalt for roads.

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20 Mar 2023

Efforts to Prevent Jaywalking and Improve Traffic Infrastructure for Safety of Elderly Pedestrians

Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Home Affairs how the Ministry would collaborate with LTA to prevent jaywalking and enhance traffic infrastructure, such as by adding more lifts in pedestrian overhead bridges, to improve safety for elderly pedestrians.
K Shanmugam noted that while accidents involving elderly pedestrians rose from 2021 to 2022, the 2022 figures are comparable to pre-pandemic levels and referenced past replies on Traffic Police and LTA cooperation to deter jaywalking.
He also mentioned that LTA has plans to progressively install more lifts at overhead bridges across Singapore to address safety concerns.

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20 Mar 2023

Update on Expansion of Marina Bay Sands under Its Second Development Agreement

Mr. Louis Chua asked for an update on the Second Development Agreement between STB and MBS, whether MBS is on track to commence construction by 8 April 2023, and if there are any changes to the project completion deadline.
Minister Gan Kim Yong acknowledged that both Integrated Resorts had indicated potential delays due to pandemic-related disruptions to the construction industry.
MTI and STB are working with MBS to review the development timeline and minimise potential delays while ensuring MBS fulfills its obligations.

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20 Mar 2023

Proposal to Install Double-glazed Windows in New HDB Flats Being Built in Areas Close to Main Roads, MRT Tracks or RSAF Flight Paths

Mariam Jaafar asked whether HDB can install double-glazed windows in new flats near main roads, MRT tracks, or RSAF flight paths to reduce noise.
Desmond Lee explained that complete soundproofing is not feasible in HDB's high-density, naturally ventilated design, and double-glazed windows require closed windows to be effective.
HDB conducts noise impact assessments and uses design features like overhangs and canopies to mitigate land transport noise for new flats near roads and MRT tracks.
For aircraft noise, HDB is testing noise-cancelling technologies and innovative facade designs and will introduce them when ready.

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