Infrastructure & development — Topics

4 Oct 2022

Need for New Cruise and Ferry Infrastructure to Include Environmental Baseline Studies and Environmental Impact Assessment

Leon Perera asked whether the Singapore Tourism Board's survey for new cruise and ferry infrastructure would include Environmental Baseline Studies and Environmental Impact Assessments to evaluate coastal impacts, and whether the survey report would be made public.
Gan Kim Yong stated that developments near marine and coastal areas undergo consultations with agencies like NEA, NParks, MPA, and SFA to discuss environmental impacts and mitigation, with EIAs including baseline studies conducted where required.
He added that such reports are generally made publicly available unless confidentiality is needed for reasons like security considerations.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Oct 2022

Evaluation of MRT Infrastructure Designs for Robustness in View of Climate Change

Dr. Tan Wu Meng inquired whether MRT infrastructure designs have been evaluated for robustness against climate change, including considerations for rising sea levels and soil changes, and if scenarios go beyond optimistic and median severity levels.
The Minister for Transport confirmed that MRT designs incorporate climate change scenarios such as rising sea levels, rainfall, temperature, and wind strength, referencing the Centre for Climate Research Singapore's Second National Climate Change Study and the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report.
MRT infrastructure also adheres to PUB's drainage and flood protection codes, with the Land Transport Authority regularly reviewing designs to align with international standards and the latest climate science, potentially implementing additional resilience measures.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Oct 2022

Updating Safety Standards for Construction and Infrastructure Projects in Light of Climate Change

Mariam Jaafar inquired whether safety standards for construction and infrastructure are being updated to address climate change impacts.
Desmond Lee confirmed that existing building standards already require designs to withstand extreme environmental conditions like high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and strong winds.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has determined current standards are robust enough for Singapore's projected climate based on the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report.
BCA will regularly review and update requirements to align with international standards and incorporate the latest climate projections, including the IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Oct 2022

Net Loss for Central Weave BTO Development at Ang Mo Kio

Leong Mun Wai asked for the net loss, land cost, and overall government profit and loss position for the Central Weave BTO project at Ang Mo Kio.
The Minister confirmed HDB’s estimated development loss is about $250 million, rising to $270 million with CPF housing grants included.
The land cost for the project is about $500 million, determined by market valuation and paid back into the Past Reserves.
HDB prices flats based on market value with subsidies for affordability, and recorded an average annual deficit of $2.68 billion from 2019 to 2021.
The government emphasized that HDB does not profit from flat sales and aims to keep public housing affordable for all Singaporeans.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Incidents of Unscheduled Disruption of Fibre Broadband Service Due to Construction Activity

From 2019, IMDA recorded several incidents of unscheduled fibre broadband disruptions caused by construction, with an average of 570 end-user connections affected per incident.
Contractors face penalties under the Telecommunications Act, including fines up to $1 million or imprisonment, with over $1.13 million in composition sums and court fines imposed since 2019.
IMDA has implemented preventive measures, conducts regular dialogues, and educates workers to minimise cable damage from earthworks.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Utilisation Rate of Parking Lots in Multi-storey Car Parks of Newer HDB Estates

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked about the utilisation rates of parking lots in newer HDB estates like Sengkang and Punggol, the average usage-to-empty lot ratio, and plans to repurpose underutilised lots.
Desmond Lee responded that HDB monitors car park utilisation, with an average season parking take-up rate of 66% islandwide and 50% to 70% in Sengkang and Punggol.
HDB considers repurposing underutilised car parks for other uses, such as community gardens or urban farms, subject to feasibility and resident impact assessments.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Future Plans for Park Connector Networks

NParks aims to expand Singapore's park connector network from 370 km to 500 km by 2030, providing more options for residents to exercise near green spaces and water bodies.
A 360-km island-wide network of recreational routes, including park connectors and trails like the Round Island Route, is being established to allow longer walks and cycles in natural spaces.
These expansions support the goal of enabling all households to be within a 10-minute walk from a park by 2030 and enhance ecological connectivity to strengthen Singapore's resilience as a City in Nature.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Lessons from Recent URA Public Engagement Exercise for Government's Long-term Land Use Review

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked about key takeaways from the URA's Space for Our Dreams exhibition and how they will inform the Long-Term Plan Review.
Minister Desmond Lee highlighted that over 15,000 people engaged in the review, and nearly 50,000 visited exhibitions, reflecting shared aspirations for quality living, inclusive towns, and sustainable development.
The feedback will shape the next Draft Master Plan to guide development for the next 10 to 15 years, with continued public engagement in the process.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Traffic Mitigation Efforts with Moving-in of Residents at New Mass Condominium in Tampines

The developer of Treasure at Tampines conducted a Transport Impact Assessment and will implement measures such as new footpaths, covered linkways, a cycling path, and a larger bus stop to enhance walk-cycle-ride connectivity and public transport access.
A new public road, Tampines Lane, will be constructed to link Tampines Street 11 directly to the PIE slip road, easing vehicular traffic on local roads and benefiting both new and existing residents.
LTA’s assessment is that traffic in the area will be manageable given the plans, and it will collaborate with the developer on a follow-up study after project completion to assess if further improvements are needed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Sustainability Criteria Applied to Infrastructure Projects under Singapore Green Bond Framework

Ms He Ting Ru raised concerns about using green bond proceeds to fund the Cross Island Line due to environmental issues and asked for the specific sustainability criteria applied to ensure projects remain truly green.
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong explained that the government conducts thorough reviews of all projects' environmental impacts and works with stakeholders to mitigate risks, regardless of financing source, and that the Cross Island Line follows this process with public sharing of assessments.
He stated that the Singapore Green Bond Framework includes stringent eligibility criteria, such as the "Clean Transportation" category, and that the Cross Island Line qualifies as it is an electric rail line with zero direct emissions.
The framework was independently assessed as credible and aligned with international standards, and investor demand affirmed confidence in its green credentials, with annual reports on allocation and impact to be published for transparency.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Wait Times from Application to Offer of BTO Flats and Applicants' Rejection Rate

Minister Desmond Lee noted that tracking average and longest wait times from application to offer is not meaningful due to applicants not applying consecutively and many declining offers, with about four in ten not taking up flat invitations.
Over the last five years, the average number of attempts for applicants to secure a BTO flat was less than two times.
HDB has increased first-timer allocation quotas for flats in Non-Mature Estates, raising the set-aside rates for 3-room and larger flats to at least 85% and 95% respectively.
To boost supply, HDB launched up to 23,000 flats per year in 2022 and 2023, a 35% increase from 2021, and is prepared to launch up to 100,000 flats from 2021 to 2025 if needed.
The government continues to monitor housing demand and supply to meet the needs of Singaporeans, especially first-time home buyers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Efforts to Reduce Negative Environmental Impact on Singapore Waters Given Plans to Boost Cruise Ship Infrastructure

Joan Pereira inquired about measures to reduce the negative environmental impact on Singapore waters from plans to boost cruise ship infrastructure, such as improper waste disposal and damage to marine wildlife.
The government conducts thorough consultations and environmental studies, with measures like Environmental Impact Assessments and compliance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships to mitigate impacts during development and operations.
Singapore enforces regulations through inspections, licensed waste collection, and penalties under the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act, while supporting the cruise industry's shift towards sustainable practices in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Installation of On-demand Audible Traffic Signals at Pedestrian Crossings

The Minister for Transport announced that 1,300 pedestrian crossings (20%) currently have audio signals operating from 7am to 9pm, with plans to add 160 more and upgrade 460 to allow activation after hours for visually impaired users.
By the third quarter of 2025, 325 crossings in 10 towns will feature 24/7 softer locating tones to help visually impaired pedestrians identify crossings at all times.
The Land Transport Authority has collaborated with the Ministry of Social and Family Development to implement these inclusive features while balancing noise concerns for nearby residents.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Monitoring Road Surfacing and Related Works to Ensure Safety and Comfortable Ride for Motorists

Mr Lim Biow Chuan raised concerns about LTA’s regulation of frequent road digging, supervision of road surface reinstatement, and measures to ensure comfortable rides for motorists.
The government coordinates planned road works through the multi-agency Road Opening Coordination Committee to minimise excavations, and requires permits from LTA with fees that increase for longer durations to encourage timely completion.
Contractors must reinstate roads to LTA’s Code of Practice standards, with compliance ensured through supervision by qualified personnel, agency verification, and ad-hoc audits by LTA.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Ensuring Road Safety in Marina South Area Given Presence of Construction Sites and Heavy Vehicles

Lim Biow Chuan asked about the number of construction sites in Marina South and whether the ministry monitors heavy vehicles on nearby roads.
Desmond Lee confirmed there are five construction sites supporting infrastructure development like roads and drains in the area.
The Ministry of National Development does not monitor the number of heavy vehicles on roads leading to Marina South.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Landslides Reported and Review of Stability of Land Close to Deforestation Sites

Ms He Ting Ru inquired about the number of landslides reported in the last five years, the frequency and circumstances of land stability reviews near deforestation or building sites, and potential updates to monitoring regimes to enhance safety.
From 2017 to 2019, there were an average of four minor landslide incidents reported annually, increasing to 21 per year in 2020 and 2021 due to higher rainfall, with one incident reported so far in 2022 at a Clementi construction site caused by slope failure.
Agencies conduct regular slope inspections, with increased frequency during intense wet weather, and require Qualified Persons to assess and recommend protective measures before construction, including monitoring during works.
Following the 2022 Clementi incident, BCA reminded builders to inspect slopes and take additional stabilisation measures, and will review the cause to assess if further safety enhancements are needed.
BCA also issues advisories to land and building owners on managing landslide risks through proper drainage and maintenance of slope structures.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Oct 2022

Ensuring Manpower and Service Level Adequacy with Reopening of Terminals at Changi Airport

The Ministry of Transport reported that Changi Airport's passenger traffic has recovered to over 60% of pre-COVID levels, with flight numbers expected to reach 80% by year-end, supported by the reopening of Terminals 4 and 2 to restore full capacity.
Aviation stakeholders are on track to recruit about 4,000 workers by end-2022, aiming to restore the workforce to 90% of pre-pandemic levels, ensuring service quality is maintained as passenger volumes increase.
Lessons from the pandemic, such as modular design for resilience, sustainability, and automation in areas like baggage handling, are being incorporated into future infrastructure projects like Terminal 5 to enhance efficiency and adaptability.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2022

Reason for Limiting Central Management of Environmental Impact Assessment Pilot to HDB and JTC Projects

Melvin Yong asked why the central management of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies is limited to HDB and JTC projects and when it will expand to all government projects.
Desmond Lee explained that centralizing EIA management raises industry standards and consolidates biodiversity information, but it involves restructuring agency roles and processes.
The pilot for HDB and JTC projects was chosen due to their scale and the mix of project types, including residential and industrial developments.
The pilot will run until end-2024, after which outcomes will be reviewed before deciding on scaling centralization further.
There is no fixed timeline for expansion yet, as decisions depend on the pilot's results.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2022

Additional Places Offered by New SPED Schools under Enabling Masterplan 2030 Recommendations

He Ting Ru asked the Ministry of Education about the number of additional student places from new Special Education schools under the Enabling Masterplan 2030.
Chan Chun Sing responded that five new SPED schools will be established by 2030, adding approximately 1,400 places for students.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2022

Ensuring Safety of Bus Stop Users from Cyclists

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about measures to prevent cyclists from entering bus stops and compromising the safety of bus stop users.
S Iswaran outlined infrastructural improvements like dedicated cycling paths, guiding lines, and safety markings to keep cyclists away from bus stops, alongside education and enforcement efforts.
He emphasized that the Active Mobility Code of Conduct requires cyclists to slow down in crowded areas, with public education and enforcement supporting compliance.
The Minister stressed that safety is a collective responsibility, urging all path users to stay alert and follow rules.
Further safety features will be rolled out at more bus stops to enhance protection for commuters.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source