Infrastructure & development — Topics

28 Nov 2022

Expected Operational and Start Date of Stage 4 of Thomson-East Coast Line

Stage 4 of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL4) will offer improved connectivity to the East Coast region.
Seven stations under TEL4 are scheduled to begin passenger service in 2024.
The eighth station, Founders' Memorial, will open alongside the Founders' Memorial.
The update was provided in response to a query by Mr Lim Biow Chuan.
The operational timeline was clarified by the Minister for Transport, S Iswaran.

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28 Nov 2022

Impact from US and India's Upgraded Ties with ASEAN

Singapore welcomed the US and India’s upgraded ties with ASEAN, expecting economic benefits from initiatives like the ASEAN-India trade agreement review and new US-ASEAN partnerships in electric vehicles, infrastructure, smart cities, and public health.
Deeper collaboration with India is anticipated in regional connectivity, cybersecurity, and the digital economy to support businesses and people.
Cooperation with the US aims to advance ASEAN’s clean energy transition, enhance energy security and grid resilience, and develop low-carbon and green energy infrastructure.

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28 Nov 2022

Implementation of Silver Zones and Lessons Learnt

As of October 2022, 26 Silver Zones have been completed, with 24 more planned by 2025 to reach a total of 50 zones nationwide.
Design features have evolved since 2014, including the use of 3D road markings to slow traffic where physical measures aren't feasible and thinner speed strips to reduce noise.
The Land Transport Authority now engages communities earlier in the design process to incorporate local feedback, such as wider footpaths and more crossing points with larger medians for elderly rest.
The current approach emphasizes co-creation with residents to ensure Silver Zones meet the specific needs of the elderly in each area.
Progress and design improvements are based on lessons learned from earlier Silver Zone implementations to enhance safety and usability.

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28 Nov 2022

Building of Pedestrian Foot Bridge Between Gardens by the Bay East and Suntec City

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether a pedestrian footbridge between Gardens by the Bay East and Suntec City, as shown in the URA Master Plan, would be built or replaced with a bridge connecting Bay South and Bay East.
Desmond Lee responded that plans for the area are under careful study, including exploring a new bridge to enhance connectivity between Bay East Garden and Bay South Garden as part of the Bay East Garden development.
He also noted that the plan for a bridge between Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden is still undergoing studies.

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28 Nov 2022

Update on HDB's Remaking Our Heartland Programme

The Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme has rejuvenated 13 HDB towns since 2007, with the first two batches largely completed and the third batch (Woodlands, Toa Payoh, Pasir Ris) now being implemented to benefit over half a million residents.
For the fourth batch (Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Choa Chu Kang, Queenstown), HDB has intensified public engagement through surveys and focus group discussions to co-create rejuvenation plans tailored to residents’ needs.
The government remains committed to proceeding with ROH 4 despite HDB’s recent deficit, but will manage spending carefully to ensure cost effectiveness and fiscal sustainability.

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28 Nov 2022

Accounting for Use and Sale of State Land

Leong Mun Wai asked whether payment into the past reserves is required when the government uses state land for public infrastructure, to which Lawrence Wong responded that no payment is needed as the land remains state land and part of the past reserves without disposal.
Chua Kheng Wee Louis inquired if unsold state land is recorded in government financial statements, at historical cost or fair value, and whether asset value increases with land sales; Wong clarified that unsold state land is not recorded, only listed as part of past reserves, and is valued only at sale for fair market value.
Wong further stated that land sold to statutory boards at fair market value ensures no draw on past reserves and that the total government asset value does not increase from such sales, as it merely converts physical assets to financial assets.

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9 Nov 2022

Past and Projected Data on Attribution of HDB Housing Demand

Leong Mun Wai asked for quantitative data on HDB housing demand over the past 20 years and projections, broken down by smaller household sizes, aspirations for larger units, growing residential population, and rental demand from non-local populations.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB’s planning accounts for demographic and socioeconomic trends, noting a 29% increase in HDB units versus a 10% rise in residents over 20 years, with average household size shrinking from 3.57 to 3.09.
The government projects robust future demand due to strong household formation and smaller households, with HDB planning to launch up to 23,000 flats annually in 2022-2023, a 35% increase from 2021.
Non-citizen rental demand is minimal due to a quota system implemented in 2014 to prevent foreign enclaves and preserve the Singaporean character of HDB estates.

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9 Nov 2022

Technological and Engineering Advances Utilised to Tackle Rising Sea Levels

The government is leveraging science, technology, and engineering to strengthen Singapore’s coastal and flood resilience, including developing the Coastal-Inland Flood Model with NUS and the Hydroinformatics Institute.
Innovative engineering solutions such as underground detention tanks, multifunctional structures like Marina Barrage, and pilot projects like polder development at Pulau Tekong are being used to address land constraints and flood risks.
PUB employs radar technology and a network of over 1,000 water level sensors and 400 CCTVs to predict and monitor floods, enabling advance warnings to the public.
The government is trialing various coastal protection measures, including customised modular blocks and coastal barriers for Singapore’s southwestern coastline, while integrating flood management planning.
The response to climate change also involves community partnerships, such as working with building owners on flood protection and equipping the public with weather alerts for daily adjustments.

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9 Nov 2022

Electricity Power Generation Capacity

Installed electricity generation capacity decreased from 13.5 GW in 2018 to 11.8 GW in 2022 due to retirements, but remains above current peak demand of 7.8 GW, with a reserve margin of around 50% exceeding the required 27%.
Capacity is projected to remain stable before new units come online from 2025, with the reserve margin expected to tighten but still meet the 27% requirement even if upper-bound demand is reached.
The Energy Market Authority is encouraging new investments, such as Keppel’s 600-MW gas turbine plant, and will use competitive tenders to guide private sector investments in advance; it will build capacity directly if private interest is insufficient.

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9 Nov 2022

Budgeting for Infrastructure to Cope with Rising Sea Levels and Climate Change

Christopher de Souza asked how the national Budget is planned to build infrastructure for rising sea levels and climate change.
Lawrence Wong stated that climate adaptation is a long-term effort with estimated costs exceeding $100 billion over 100 years, requiring a combination of funding methods.
Funding will include the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund, annual Budget allocations, and potential borrowing like green bonds, with land reclamation costs drawn from past reserves.
The government will refine financing options as it gains better understanding of climate impacts and protection measures.

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9 Nov 2022

Infrastructural Plans for Increased Reliance on Low-carbon Hydrogen Fuel

The government plans a phased approach to adopt low-carbon hydrogen, starting with small-scale projects to build capabilities in importing, storage, distribution, and safe handling.
New infrastructure such as import terminals, storage facilities, and distribution networks will be developed, with a focus on balancing decarbonisation speed and consumer costs.
Singapore aims for hydrogen to supply up to 50% of power needs by 2050, but specific adoption targets and import volumes are yet to be set due to technological and supply chain uncertainties.
The government is working with international partners through MOUs to establish regional hydrogen supply chains, facilitate cross-border movement, and advance certification standards.

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8 Nov 2022

Update on Development and Land Reclamation Works on and around Pedra Branca

Gerald Giam Yean Song requested an update on the development and land reclamation works around Pedra Branca, their estimated total cost, and their expected benefits to Singapore.
Desmond Lee stated that the works, which started in September 2021, are for infrastructural upgrades to support maritime security agencies in detection, response, and search and rescue operations, enhancing Singapore's maritime safety and security role.
The works also aim to improve safety and conditions for personnel stationed at Pedra Branca, who are critical to safeguarding maritime safety.
The total cost of the works is currently being reviewed in light of prevailing cost norms.
The benefits include strengthening Singapore's ability to contribute to maritime safety and security as a responsible international community member.

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8 Nov 2022

Utilisation of Open Space Car Parks in HDB Estates and Conversion of Those Underused to Communal Areas

Miss Cheryl Chan inquired about reviewing the utilisation of open space car parks in HDB estates and converting underused ones into communal facilities like senior wellness centres.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB monitors parking utilisation rates, which vary by estate, and considers repurposing low-use car parks after assessing feasibility, traffic impact, and resident disamenities.
HDB has already converted some Multi-Story Car Park upper levels for urban farming and communal use, and specific car park requests can be submitted to HDB for evaluation.

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8 Nov 2022

Details of Discussions on Australia-Asia Power Link's Sun Cable Project

He Ting Ru questioned if there are discussions on the Sun Cable project outside the Energy Market Authority's Request for Proposal (RFP) programme, whether details can be shared, and if the government plans to invest.
Gan Kim Yong stated that all Sun Cable discussions occur under the RFP framework, with the proposal still being assessed and no further details available.
He noted Singapore's goal to import 4 gigawatts of low-carbon electricity by 2035 via RFPs, with Sun Cable's proposal for 1.75 gigawatts under consideration.
Gan highlighted that Singapore and Australia are collaborating on cross-border electricity trade, including through the Green Economy Agreement to enhance regional energy connectivity.
The government has not announced any plans to invest in the Sun Cable project.

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7 Nov 2022

Assessment of Diagonal Crossing from Four Points of Traffic Junction

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Ministry for Transport about assessing and implementing diagonal crossings at traffic junctions, including in heartlands, to improve pedestrian efficiency while maintaining safety.
S Iswaran explained that diagonal crossings, or Scrambled Crossings, allow pedestrians to cross any direction at a junction, providing more green time for pedestrians and red time for vehicles.
The Land Transport Authority evaluates each location’s specific needs, as seen with the Robinson Road/Boon Tat Street implementation where pedestrian demand was high and traffic impact was low.
The Ministry will continue collaborating with communities to determine optimal crossing solutions, including Scrambled Crossings, for various junctions.

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7 Nov 2022

Plans to Enhance Capacity of Existing Roads Using Yishun Dam to Deal with Increased Traffic

Derrick Goh asked about plans to enhance road capacity near Yishun Dam to handle increased traffic from the new Yishun Spring BTO estate.
S Iswaran responded that LTA will widen the junction at Yishun Avenue 1 and Avenue 8, converting two-lane west-bound roads to four lanes at the junction.
The construction tender will be awarded soon, with works set to begin in mid-2023, and LTA will monitor traffic to assess if further improvements are needed.

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7 Nov 2022

Construction of Pick-up and Drop-off Point Near Bukit Batok MRT Station

Murali Pillai proposed a sheltered pick-up and drop-off point near Bukit Batok MRT to improve commuter access.
The Minister for Transport confirmed the plan is part of the Commuter Infrastructure Enhancement Programme.
Construction of the new sheltered point and walkway is scheduled to begin next year.

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7 Nov 2022

Extending Public Transport Services in Jurong Island

Abdul Samad asked whether LTA will extend public transport services within Jurong Island, when it might happen, and if not, why not.
S Iswaran explained that JTC already manages peak-period bus services and an on-demand service, supplemented by private shuttles, with connections from Westgate, Jurong East, and Lakeside MRT.
He noted that the Jurong Region Line (JRL) will be completed from 2027 to 2029, providing MRT access near Jurong Island Checkpoint for onward bus transfers.
LTA will continue monitoring demand with JTC to assess connectivity enhancements while ensuring prudent and sustainable use of resources.

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7 Nov 2022

Safeguarding Submarine Data Cables against Sabotage and Major Disruptions

Singapore maintains a robust submarine cable network, with 26 cables currently landed, up from 19 five years ago, to ensure diverse and resilient international connectivity.
The government partners with local and international agencies to attract new cables and facilitate agreements for efficient installation, maintenance, and repair of existing cables.
Measures include safeguarding cables from threats like shipping accidents, fishing activities, and natural disasters, while ensuring continuity and expediting recovery to sustain digital connectivity.

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7 Nov 2022

Measures to Safeguard Energy Supply Lines from Sabotage and Disruption

Dennis Tan asked about measures to protect overseas energy supply lines, ensure continuity during disruptions, and speed up recovery; Gan Kim Yong explained that Singapore’s electricity is largely fuelled by natural gas via pipelines or LNG, with pipelines built to international standards and generation companies required to keep alternative fuel stocks and have access to the LNG terminal for contingencies.
The government ensures energy security by maintaining sufficient backup generation capacity as electricity imports increase, and the Energy Market Authority conducts regular readiness exercises, enforces performance standards on licensees, and operates 24/7 monitoring to activate contingency plans when needed.
Recovery plans and risk management measures are continuously reviewed and updated by the Energy Market Authority to minimise disruptions and keep Singapore’s electricity supply robust.

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