Infrastructure & development — Topics

1 Aug 2022

Replacement Sites for Lim Chu Kang Farms

The Ministry for National Development stated that the western part of Lim Chu Kang will be needed for Singapore Armed Forces training, with development works commencing in two phases later this year and next year.
Agencies have provided support since 2014, including facilitating tendering for new plots, funding for technology adoption, and regulatory expediting, with 24 of the 62 remaining farms having secured replacement sites.
The remaining 38 farms are still seeking sites or winding up, and the development timeline cannot be delayed further to replace land given up for Tengah New Town.

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1 Aug 2022

Preventing Incidents between Cyclists and Pedestrians with Increased Cycling Within Towns

Edward Chia asked the Minister for Transport about safety measures to prevent collisions between cyclists and pedestrians at key intersections like bus stops, traffic light junctions, and residential exits.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) uses infrastructure improvements such as wider cycling paths with red coatings, speed regulating strips, and safety markings at bus stops to slow cyclists.
At traffic junctions, advisory signs and widened crossings enhance safety, while in residential areas, LTA collaborates on measures like D-markings and ground markings to alert users.
LTA also promotes safe riding through public education campaigns and conducts regular enforcement operations to address irresponsible behavior.
The minister emphasized that shared cycling spaces require collective responsibility from all users to ensure safety.

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1 Aug 2022

Success Rate for BTO Applications and Projected Number of BTO Flats Coming Onstream in Sengkang and Punggol

In the past five years, approximately 6,000 applicants for BTO flats in Sengkang and Punggol were unsuccessful out of 26,000 total applicants.
The government has safeguarded 45 parcels of land in Sengkang and Punggol for future residential developments, including public housing.
HDB will offer a range of flat types from 2-room Flexi to 5-room/3Gen flats in upcoming BTO projects in these areas.
Specific details on the projected number and room types of new BTO flats will be confirmed and announced closer to the sales launch.

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1 Aug 2022

Petition

Non-Constituency Member Leong Mun Wai presented a petition from five residents of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 Blocks 562-565 regarding the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS), alleging lack of transparency and unfair treatment.
The petition calls for a comprehensive review of SERS, including independent evaluation of sites, public disclosure of intended land use, and relocation priority for affected residents within the vicinity.
It requests waiver of the Resale Levy, full reimbursement of stamp and legal fees, and ex-gravita payments for renovation costs adjusted for inflation in all future SERS exercises.
The petitioners seek a moratorium on SERS until a review is completed and its findings are deliberated by Parliament.
The Deputy Speaker referred the petition to the Public Petitions Committee following parliamentary procedure.

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5 Jul 2022

Criteria for Development Works to Require Heritage Impact Assessment and Status of Bukit Brown Cemetery

Leon Perera asked for the criteria determining when a heritage impact assessment (HIA) is required, whether Bukit Brown Cemetery would qualify, if public or NGO consensus on heritage value would be a factor, and for commitment to publish heritage studies even when HIAs are deemed unnecessary.
Desmond Lee outlined that heritage considerations are integrated into planning through a robust evaluation process and collaboration with expert panels, with HIAs introduced in March 2022 for major public projects affecting significant heritage sites.
He noted that HIAs are typically for large-scale public developments in rich heritage areas, while smaller-impact projects are assessed case-by-case with possible heritage recall measures.
Regarding Bukit Brown, he stated that part of the area is zoned residential under Master Plan 2019, with cemetery areas preserved until longer-term review is needed.
The government engages community and expert input upstream, but public or NGO consensus is not explicitly a formal criterion for triggering an HIA.

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5 Jul 2022

Waiting Times for HDB BTO Projects Over Last 10 Years By Percentile

The Minister for National Development provided the 25th percentile, median, average, and 75th percentile of actual waiting times for HDB BTO projects launched between 2012 and 2021 that have been completed.
For projects still under construction, the median estimated waiting time is about 4.3 years, which has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and the trend of building taller blocks to meet housing demand.
The Minister noted that with improving conditions, construction momentum is gradually returning, and HDB will continue to work to minimize delays while ensuring safety and quality.

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5 Jul 2022

Adequacy of Singapore's Water Supply and Infrastructure and Plans to Build Water Resilience and Security

Singapore maintains a robust and diversified water supply through the Four National Taps framework and long-term infrastructure planning by PUB, including projects like the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System and the Tuas Water Reclamation Plant to boost NEWater and desalination capacity.
The government is expanding water recycling and desalination facilities, with the recent opening of the fifth desalination plant and plans for Changi NEWater Factory 3, to strengthen resilience against climate change and unpredictable weather.
Water demand management is emphasized through mandatory efficiency measures, benchmarks, and financial support for industries to reduce consumption and improve used water treatment, supported by the Water Efficiency Fund and Industrial Water Solutions Demonstration Fund.
Public conservation efforts are encouraged alongside government investments to ensure every drop counts in securing Singapore’s water future.

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5 Jul 2022

Lessons Learnt from Compressed Natural Gas Scheme for Vehicles and Plans to Use Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

Lessons from the compressed natural gas scheme show that technology, markets, infrastructure, and regulations must advance together to support consumer and business adoption, which informs current efforts to scale electric vehicles and their charging ecosystem.
Singapore is focusing on electric vehicles, with plans to expand charging infrastructure, enact safety legislation, and electrify half of public buses by 2030 and achieve a 100% cleaner energy public bus fleet by 2040.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is being monitored as a potential cleaner energy alternative for vehicle segments needing high power and mileage, but its adoption depends on further maturation of technology, costs, vehicle availability, and supporting infrastructure.

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5 Jul 2022

Flat Options and Completion Dates of Replacement Flats for Affected Residents in Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme Exercise in Ang Mo Kio

Miss Cheryl Chan raised concerns about the limited flat options and completion dates for seniors affected by the SERS exercise in Ang Mo Kio, questioning if they have suitable retirement homes and if BTO flats will be available before 2028.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that SERS provides compensation, grants, and replacement flats with fresh leases, along with priority for BTO or SBF applications and options for resale flats or short-lease 2-room Flexi flats for seniors.
For the Ang Mo Kio SERS exercise, compensation generally allows purchase of a similar replacement flat, though possibly smaller, and additional options include 50-year lease flats or Lease Buyback Scheme for seniors to secure familiar housing without long leases.

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5 Jul 2022

Review of Measures to Ensure Circumstances Leading to Unauthorised Clearance of Kranji Forest Do Not Recur

Minister Gan Kim Yong reported that a system-level review led by Permanent Secretary Joseph Leong found existing land clearance systems sound but made further recommendations, which agencies are implementing.
Four individuals have been charged under the Parks and Trees Act and Wildlife Act for the Kranji incident, with JTC officers accused of providing inaccurate information, and criminal proceedings are ongoing.
JTC has established a Construction Regulatory Compliance Unit and an Environmental Planning and Design Unit, extended digital monitoring to land clearance, and formed a Biodiversity and Environmental Advisory Panel to strengthen oversight.
The Sungei Kadut Eco-District project will transform the industrial estate with green spaces while balancing development and conservation, with works resuming after regulatory approvals.

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5 Jul 2022

Tracking of Electricity Usage to Help Residents Save on Utility Bills

Edward Chia inquired about expanding the Smart Water Meter Programme to electric metering and expediting its rollout to help residents save on utility bills and support the SG Green Plan.
Grace Fu responded that the Smart Water Meter Programme is being rolled out progressively, with installations starting in Tampines Central and plans for 300,000 smart meters in several areas by next year.
She noted that global microchip shortages have caused delays, but PUB is preparing for the next phase and will review the programme before expanding it islandwide.
The smart water meters provide daily and hourly consumption data, leak alerts, and water-saving tips to help residents track usage and reduce bills.
While the current focus is on water meters, the Minister did not directly address whether similar plans exist for electric metering, but highlighted the broader goal of aiding utility savings and sustainability.

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5 Jul 2022

Plans to Offer Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme to Residents before 2039

The government is developing the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) for older HDB estates, with residents voting on participation.
VERS will be offered when flats are around 70 years old, and terms will be less generous than the existing SERS due to lower redevelopment potential.
Officials are finalizing details such as precinct selection, voting thresholds, compensation, and rehousing options, and will consult the public before sharing more information.

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5 Jul 2022

Communal Space Allocation Per Dwelling Unit for New HDB BTO Flats

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked if HDB can increase communal space allocation per dwelling unit for new BTO flats to better support social services like childcare and senior activity centres.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB collaborates with relevant agencies to plan Social Communal Facilities based on demand, location, and demographics, with spaces either built upfront or safeguarded for future use.
Communal facilities are integrated into multi-storey carparks or standalone buildings, and common spaces like precinct pavilions and Community Living Rooms are provided for community gatherings.
HDB regularly reviews space allocation norms with agencies and local advisers to meet the evolving needs of residents.

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5 Jul 2022

Location of Commercial and Coffee Shop Space within HDB Estates and Efforts to Keep Food Prices Affordable Given Recent High Transacted Sale Prices of Coffee Shops

HDB plans the location of coffee shops and commercial spaces in both mature and new housing estates based on household density, resident accessibility, and the availability of nearby amenities, aiming for most residents to reach a coffee shop within a 10-minute walk.
To address high transacted prices of privately owned coffee shops, the government promotes competition by ensuring a good supply of coffee shops in each town, supports social enterprise operators, and has shifted since 1998 to renting rather than selling HDB coffee shops, with price-quality tenders to encourage affordable food options.
HDB monitors resale and rental markets for coffee shops and food prices, has built 34 new coffee shops in the last four years with 30 more planned, and is expanding hawker centres to provide additional affordable cooked food choices for residents.

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4 Jul 2022

Median, Lower and Upper Quartile Actual Waiting Time for HDB BTO Flats in Past 10 Years

Ms Hazel Poa requested the median, lower and upper quartile actual waiting times for HDB BTO flats over the past 10 years, broken down by year of key collection.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that construction time is affected by site conditions and building height, with difficult sites or taller buildings leading to longer waiting times.
The minister provided the requested waiting time data in a table and noted that pre-COVID, waiting times were about three to four years, but the pandemic caused delays of six to nine months.
He attributed recent longer waiting times to pandemic-related disruptions, supply chain issues, and HDB’s development of higher-rise flats to meet strong demand, but expects improvements as construction recovers.
HDB aims to minimize delays while maintaining safety and quality, with better progress anticipated barring unforeseen circumstances.

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4 Jul 2022

Setting up an Alliance for Action for JTC, LTA, URA, HDB and Major Logistics Companies to Look into Shortage of Heavy Vehicle Parking Lots

Don Wee proposed setting up an Alliance for Action involving multiple agencies and logistics companies to address the shortage of heavy vehicle parking lots by optimizing underutilized premises like JTC flatted factories near HDB estates.
Gan Kim Yong noted that as of December 2021, there are more heavy vehicle parking lots than registered vehicles, but locating parks near residential areas involves trade-offs with housing or community needs.
Government agencies are collaborating to ensure sufficient and accessible heavy vehicle lots and are engaging industry stakeholders to discuss the potential usefulness of an Alliance for Action.

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4 Jul 2022

Update on Completion and Commencement of Operations for Phase 3 of Thomson East Coast Line and Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit Link

Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked for an update on the completion and start of operations for Phase 3 of the Thomson-East Coast Line and the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit Link.
The Thomson-East Coast Line Phase 3 is scheduled to open in the second half of 2022, adding 11 stations to improve connectivity and reduce travel times to the city center.
The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit Link is on track to commence service by the end of 2026, aiming to ease Causeway congestion and enhance cross-border travel efficiency.

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4 Jul 2022

Average and Range of Increase in Development Intensity for Sites Acquired under Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme

Louis Chua asked for the average and range of development intensity or plot ratio increases for SERS sites announced to date.
Desmond Lee explained that SERS sites are selected after evaluating redevelopment potential, replacement site availability, and government financial resources.
He stated that redevelopment follows the planning intentions in URA’s Master Plan but did not provide specific figures on the average or range of increases.

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4 Jul 2022

Impact of Malaysia’s Renewable Energy Exports Ban on Singapore's Energy Security Strategies

Malaysia’s ban on exporting renewable energy does not restrict the passage of electricity from other countries like Laos through Malaysia to Singapore, as demonstrated by the ongoing LTMS-PIP project.
Singapore is importing up to 100 MW of hydropower from Laos via Thailand and Malaysia under the LTMS-PIP, which serves as a model for multilateral renewable energy trading.
The Ministry encourages continued regional collaboration on cross-border electricity trade to support the ASEAN Power Grid and mutual energy security goals.

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4 Jul 2022

Ensuring Equitable Outcomes in Housing Redevelopment

Nadia Ahmad Samdin highlighted the financial and emotional challenges faced by SERS-affected residents in Ang Mo Kio, emphasizing concerns over high top-up costs for replacement flats and the need for more flexible options to avoid dipping into retirement savings.
Residents are particularly worried about the mismatch between the valuation of their older flats and the price of new ones, with many seniors unable to secure loans and facing stressful decisions about downgrading or relocating.
HDB announced new rehousing options, including a 50-year lease alternative for seniors and extended Lease Buyback Scheme eligibility, to provide more affordability and reduce the financial burden for older residents.
Minister Desmond Lee acknowledged the unique challenges of older flats in SERS exercises, committing to individual engagement with residents and ensuring ample time for decision-making, while maintaining that compensation principles remain unchanged.
The debate underscored the need to balance redevelopment for future generations with equitable support for current residents, with calls for further review of subsidies, resale levy waivers, and flat mix considerations to ensure fair outcomes.

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