Infrastructure & development

• Mr Louis Ng asked about studies on the environmental and social impact of importing hydropower from Laos under the LTMS-PIP, including findings, mitigation measures, and plans for future studies.
• The Second Minister replied that the hydropower plants underwent EIAs under Lao regulations, were approved by Lao authorities, and are regularly monitored for compliance with safeguards.
• He noted that the EIA report, prepared by Chulalongkorn University and ERM Siam, was shared with Singapore’s Energy Market Authority and indicates sufficient mitigation measures are in place.
• Mr Ng requested publication of both environmental and social impact reports to ensure transparency and community protection in Laos.
• The Minister agreed to discuss publishing the EIA report but cited potential sensitivities, and the question time ended with written answers to follow.

• As of February 2023, 10 therapeutic gardens have been established and the goal of 30 by 2030 remains on track.
• Therapeutic horticulture programmes are offered in these gardens and also in facilities like hospitals and senior centres, many in HDB estates.
• NParks works with HDB to include therapeutic gardens in new developments and estate renewal projects where feasible.

• The Ministry of Transport reported strong recovery across aviation, maritime, and land transport sectors post-pandemic, with Changi Airport returning to 80% of pre-COVID passenger traffic and plans to expand infrastructure, including the Tuas Port and new rail lines.
• Sustainability initiatives were emphasized, including electrification of vehicles, cleaner energy public buses, and new targets for maritime and aviation sectors to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, supported by incentives and infrastructure like EV charging points.
• The ministry addressed concerns over high motorcycle COE prices, outlining measures to curb speculation and improve affordability, while also launching community-focused projects like "Friendly Streets" to enhance pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

• The Land Transport Authority (LTA) conducted an islandwide noise measurement study in 2018 to identify locations near MRT stations where noise exceeded recommended thresholds, with a targeted noise impact assessment for Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 completed in 2019 prior to North-South Corridor construction.
• LTA and its contractors implement various noise mitigation measures such as erecting noise barriers and enclosures, using mufflers and rubber mallets, and scheduling noisier works during the day, with stakeholder notifications for necessary night works like diaphragm wall construction.
• For residential developments affected by multiple construction projects, NEA requires continuous noise monitoring, and LTA installs noise barriers at source for national projects like the NSC, though complete noise elimination is not always feasible due to safety-critical works.

• Multiple MPs raised concerns about the rising costs and sustainability of transport, including high COE premiums for motorcycles, subsidies for public transport, and the financial viability of transitioning to electric vehicles and infrastructure upgrades.
• Discussions emphasized the need for enhanced infrastructure for active mobility, such as dedicated cycling paths, pedestrian-friendly streets, and safety measures for PMDs, bicycles, and delivery riders, while balancing inclusivity and affordability.
• The debate highlighted the aviation and maritime sectors' recovery post-COVID, plans for Changi Airport Terminal 5, and strategies to maintain Singapore’s global hub status amid sustainability goals and competition.

• Dennis Tan requested that LTA prioritize installing lifts at the pedestrian overhead bridge near Blocks 362 and 363 Hougang Avenue 5 due to the high concentration of seniors in the area.
• The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that LTA prioritizes such bridges based on senior and commuter numbers, proximity to transport and healthcare, and will give this location due priority.
• Dennis Tan asked for an estimated timeline for the lift installation, noting community appeals and the bridge’s importance for accessing the MRT, bus interchange, and polyclinic.
• The Senior Parliamentary Secretary stated that LTA is in Phase 4 of retrofitting, aiming for completion by 2028, and that the Hougang bridge will be ranked higher due to its senior population and nearby facilities, urging patience from residents.
• The Speaker also mentioned the need for a pedestrian overhead bridge in Ubi, extending the discussion.

• Leon Perera asked about waste disposal plans and the construction costs and timelines for new landfills after Semakau Landfill is fully filled.
• Grace Fu Hai Yien outlined efforts under the Zero Waste Master Plan to reduce waste sent to the landfill, aiming for a 30% per capita reduction by 2030 through R&D, regulations, and public engagement.
• The Ministry and National Environment Agency are evaluating current initiatives and future plans to extend Semakau's lifespan beyond 2035 and will provide updates when ready.

• Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked about the considerations for siting sports stadiums in housing estates and whether running tracks are standard amenities in every town.
• The Senior Parliamentary Secretary explained that the Sports Facilities Master Plan aims to provide all HDB towns with either a Town or Regional Sports Centre, supplemented by Town Play Fields based on population trends and needs.
• SportSG considers factors such as town population, sport popularity, usage rates, space availability, proximity to other amenities, and resident feedback when deciding on specific facilities.

• Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked whether there are plans to prioritise and expedite the construction of hawker centres in constituencies that currently lack one.
• Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that the Government had previously announced plans to build 20 new hawker centres, with site selection based on residential demand, availability of comparable F&B options, and compatibility with nearby land use.
• She noted that new centres have been opened, including Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre in December 2022, with nine more remaining in integrated developments at various stages.
• The National Environment Agency is working with relevant agencies to ensure the timely completion of these remaining hawker centres.

• Murali Pillai argued that the relocation of Bukit View Primary School was announced without prior consultation with stakeholders, causing hardship for families who had relied on the school's presence and the earlier plan to establish an MOE kindergarten there.
• The Minister of State for Education explained that the relocation is part of a broader review to address shifting demographic trends, with demand for primary school places declining in Bukit Batok East and increasing in Bukit Batok West and Tengah.
• MOE will use a "lift and shift" method to relocate the school by 2027, providing shuttle services and other support to minimize disruption for affected students and families.

• Mr Murali Pillai asked whether HDB is incurring acceleration costs to speed up BTO projects and, if so, the estimated total and percentage of overall development costs.
• Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How replied that HDB has met completion dates for announced BTO projects without incurring acceleration costs, despite progress in reducing delays from 90% in 2021 to 40% by January 2023.
• He emphasized that safety and quality are not compromised in the accelerated delivery of BTOs, with extensive measures taken to address manpower shortages and streamline approvals without paying contractors extra to speed up work.

• The Ministry of Manpower has implemented new standards for dormitories approved from September 2021, including larger living spaces, in-room Wi-Fi, en-suite toilets, and enhanced public health features, with six Quick Build Dormitories currently meeting these requirements.
• MOM is developing a transition plan to upgrade existing dormitories while considering infrastructure constraints and potential bed supply disruptions, and plans to build and own two new Purpose-Built Dormitories with enhanced standards and public health innovations.
• MOM proactively monitors and supports dormitories through regular inspections by Forward Assurance and Support Teams and has introduced the Primary Care Plan to provide migrant workers with accessible and affordable primary healthcare services.

• Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned if the Biophilic Town Framework's use of bioswales and rain gardens could cause premature wear on HDB flat exteriors.
• Desmond Lee stated these features are placed away from building edges and do not hold standing water, thus avoiding mould and façade deterioration.
• He explained bioswales and rain gardens filter pollutants from surface runoff before discharging cleaned water into PUB’s drainage systems.

• LTA has installed 21.5 km of noise barriers at 45 locations and plans to add another 5.5 km at 16 more sites, chosen based on island-wide noise studies that account for track wear and train frequency.
• Since July 2016, new developments near MRT tracks must undergo Traffic Noise Impact Assessments to ensure compliance with NEA’s noise guidelines.
• Reducing train speed is not advised due to increased journey time and reduced capacity; LTA instead uses noise-dampening wheels, ballast, and frequent maintenance to mitigate noise.

• Gerald Giam inquired whether the stuck fire hydrant pit cover at the East Coast Road fire on 9 January 2023 caused a delay in drawing water and contributed to the fire's spread.
• The Minister confirmed the nearest hydrant's cover was initially stuck due to dirt and sediment, but SCDF used the next nearest hydrant and established water supply within minutes, with the fire engine's internal tank providing sufficient water in the interim.
• The stuck cover was later removed, and the firefighting operation was not affected; the hydrant had been inspected by SCDF and PUB prior to the incident, with annual testing regimes in place to ensure functionality across Singapore's network of about 23,000 hydrants.

• Leon Perera asked the Ministry of Education about the number of vacant school sites, their average vacancy duration, the status of former COVID-19 vaccination and migrant housing sites, and the possibility of short-term leases to generate revenue and optimize land use.
• The Ministry of Education currently has 10 vacant school sites, with two being prepared as interim holding sites and two more planned for similar use, while the remaining six are pending reinstatement before returning to the Singapore Land Authority.
• There are also six former school sites still in use or safeguarded for COVID-19 operations, which will be returned to the Ministry for interim or permanent school use once no longer needed.
• The Ministry regularly reviews infrastructure plans and returns unnecessary vacant sites to the Singapore Land Authority, which may lease them for adaptive reuse or convert the land for other purposes if there are no short-term needs.

• Murali Pillai questioned how SLA would retain HDB’s institutional knowledge, including resident concerns and local practices, when taking over state land management within HDB estates to ensure continuity in issuing Temporary Occupation Licences.
• K Shanmugam announced that SLA would assume management of all state land within HDB estates from 1 March 2023, centralizing applications for interim land use to improve administrative and operational efficiency.
• SLA and HDB collaborated to ensure a seamless transition for existing users, preserving data and expertise, with the HDB team managing state land being transferred to SLA to handle Temporary Occupation Licences and municipal feedback.

• The Minister for National Development affirmed the government's commitment to keeping public housing affordable and accessible, outlining strategies such as new housing developments, land reclamation projects, and policies like the Prime Location Public Housing model to address long-term needs and COVID-19 imbalances.
• The Progress Singapore Party proposed a policy reset through an Affordable Homes Scheme and Millennial Apartments Scheme, arguing that removing land costs for owner-occupied flats would reduce CPF depletion, support retirement adequacy, and ensure housing remains a public good rather than an appreciating asset.
• Members raised clarifications on land valuation, short-term flat supply, and fiscal sustainability, with the Workers' Party stating it views the PSP's proposals as intriguing but requires further study and does not support them, while endorsing the government's motion.

The debate highlighted concerns about the affordability and accessibility of Singapore's public housing, with some MPs arguing that current policies are failing younger generations and calling for a policy reset, while the government defended its record and outlined measures to address supply shortages and rising resale prices. Key proposals included revising pricing models to target a lower house-price-to-income ratio, building flats ahead of demand to reduce waiting times, and incentivizing seniors to right-size their homes to increase resale supply. The government emphasized that BTO flats remain affordable for most, citing mortgage servicing ratios and grants, and cautioned that radical changes could undermine retirement adequacy and fiscal sustainability.

• The Ministry of Manpower reports a 29% increase in Work Permit holders in key sectors since January 2022, with current numbers 13% higher than pre-pandemic levels, driving strong demand for dormitory beds.
• To address the shortage, MOM is maximizing existing dormitory capacity, allowing more Factory Converted Dormitories and Construction Temporary Quarters, and planning to build more purpose-built dormitories.
• Employers are encouraged to reduce reliance on manpower through technology and lean methodologies, with initiatives like the extended Productivity Innovation Project co-funding labour-efficient technologies to support this shift.