Infrastructure & development — Topics

8 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Parliament debated the Ministry of Transport's budget, focusing on how Singapore can strengthen its transport hub status and adapt to post-pandemic changes, including a shift from "just-in-time" to "just-in-case" inventory strategies that require innovative land-scarce storage solutions.
Speakers highlighted the severe impact of COVID-19 on the aviation sector, with questions on the recovery outlook, support for affected workers, and plans for Terminal 5, while noting the maritime sector's resilience and record container throughput.
Discussions emphasized digitalization and smart mobility, with calls for updates on the Smart Mobility 2030 plan, a centralized commuter information platform, and progress on autonomous vehicle trials and new technologies like air taxis.
Members addressed public transport workforce challenges, including attrition and the need for a reserve bus captain pool, and suggested ways to flatten peak-hour travel demand through work-from-home incentives and off-peak fare discounts.
The expansion of the cycling network and the need for dedicated paths were raised, alongside concerns about the sustainability of transport infrastructure projects like the Cross Island Line and Jurong Regional Line given changed travel patterns.

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8 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head T (Ministry of National Development)

Ministers and MPs debated the affordability and accessibility of public housing, with concerns raised about construction delays, rising resale prices, and the impact of cooling measures like the Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) scheme, while the government outlined plans to ramp up BTO supply and review housing policies for different demographics.
Several MPs highlighted challenges faced by minority flat owners under the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP), such as difficulties in selling their flats, and the government announced a new buyback scheme to assist affected households, alongside ongoing reviews of EIP's implementation.
Members discussed the need to support diverse housing needs, including for singles, seniors, and lower-income families, with updates provided on initiatives like the Fresh Start Housing Scheme, Community Care Apartments, and enhanced rental flat support, while acknowledging the trade-offs and constraints in land-scarce Singapore.

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8 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head L (Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment)

Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean announced Singapore’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by around 2050, supported by a revised carbon tax trajectory rising to $50–80 per tonne by 2030, with revenue recycled to support households and businesses in the green transition.
Ministers outlined whole-of-government efforts to decarbonize key sectors: expanding solar deployment and importing low-carbon electricity; accelerating EV adoption with charging infrastructure, regulatory updates, and incentives; greening buildings and advancing urban R&D; and transforming Jurong Island into a sustainable energy and chemicals hub.
The government will invest in R&D, enterprise support, and workforce upskilling—including through the Enterprise Sustainability Programme, Green Finance, and SkillsFuture—to grow a green economy, with strong emphasis on SMEs, talent development, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration under the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

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7 Mar 2022

Plans to Improve Commuters' Satisfaction with Bus and MRT Services

The Ministry of Transport tracks multiple indicators and surveys to monitor public transport satisfaction, noting that while one survey showed a dip in satisfaction, others found steady satisfaction levels, with over 90% of respondents still satisfied overall.
Service adjustments during the Delta wave, such as reduced bus frequencies due to COVID-19 workforce impacts, were acknowledged as inconveniences but part of efforts to strengthen contingency plans and prioritize staff welfare, including rest and booster shots.
The Ministry is committed to maintaining world-class rail reliability, with the MRT system achieving over one million train kilometres between failures since 2019, and plans to expand the rail network from 245 km to 360 km by 2030 to improve connectivity and reduce commuting times.

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4 Mar 2022

Plans for New Housing Estate in Mount Pleasant and Incorporating Lessons from Pilot Heritage Study into Planning Processes

The Minister confirmed that the pilot heritage study for the Mount Pleasant area examined architectural, historical, social, and communal values to guide the integration of heritage elements into the new housing estate.
The study’s findings are informing the development of a broader heritage impact assessment framework to strengthen future heritage evaluations and planning processes.
The URA’s current planning process already includes community and stakeholder consultations, and the new framework will continue to emphasize upstream engagement with heritage groups and the public.

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4 Mar 2022

Number of Community Gardens at HDB Multi-Storey Car Park Rooftops and Implication for Singapore's "30 by 30" Food Security Goal

The Minister reported that 16 MSCP rooftops have been tendered for commercial urban farming and six have been converted to community gardens, with these projects contributing to Singapore’s “30 by 30” food security goal.
Agencies are evaluating the outcomes of the first two tenders and considering factors like structural load, utilities, and future development plans before expanding the program.
SFA and HDB have established a Regulations Workgroup and published guides to streamline regulatory processes and provide a consolidated resource for farm operators.
The Minister explained that rules requiring Professional Engineers and other standards exist due to infrastructure upgrades needed, such as increasing electricity supply capacity for advanced farming.
Both speakers acknowledged the need to continue reviewing and simplifying regulations to support community and commercial farming efforts on MSCP rooftops.

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3 Mar 2022

Relocation of Marina East Construction Staging Ground out of East Coast Area

Lim Biow Chuan asked for the timeline to relocate the Marina East construction staging ground from the East Coast area.
Desmond Lee confirmed the staging ground ceased operations in March 2020 but noted other worksites remain for ongoing infrastructure projects like the North-South Corridor and Thomson East Coast Line.
These worksites will continue to be needed as Marina East develops, with measures to minimize disamenities.

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28 Feb 2022

Estimated Utilisation Rates of Unsheltered Bicycle Parking Racks at or Near Transport Facilities

Edward Chia asked about utilisation rates of unsheltered bicycle parking racks near transport facilities and whether shelters would be built to increase usage.
S Iswaran responded that the average utilisation rate for all bicycle parking lots at key transport nodes was around 60% last year.
For unsheltered lots specifically, the utilisation rate is around 55%, with around 27,000 lots provided free of charge at MRT, LRT stations, bus interchanges, and Integrated Transport Hubs.
The Ministry indicated that constructing shelters under existing covers and structures is more cost-effective where space allows, to support active mobility and first-mile, last-mile connectivity.

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18 Feb 2022

HDB Project Delays Caused by Contractors Facing Financial Difficulty Since Start of COVID-19 Pandemic and Measures Taken

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, eight out of 10 HDB commercial projects have faced delays of three to 15 months due to factors like Safe Management Measures, contractor performance, and material supply, with one project unaffected and one delayed due to contractor liquidation.
HDB conducts regular meetings and monthly progress checks to monitor contractors, flagging deviations from schedules and engaging contractors to address issues like slow progress or reduced workers.
Measures include adopting pandemic-resilient contracting practices that allow for extension of time and expense claims due to pandemic events, and preparing to re-tender for the project affected by contractor liquidation to minimise further delays.

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15 Feb 2022

Build More Green Access Points to Make Green Rail Corridor and Clementi Forest in Ulu Pandan More Accessible for Residents

Christopher de Souza asked if more green access points can be built to make the Green Rail Corridor and Clementi Forest in Ulu Pandan more accessible for residents.
Desmond Lee responded that under the City in Nature vision, the government is enhancing green spaces, including a new 18-kilometre recreational network in the Clementi Nature Corridor with two nature trails that will provide more access points when completed from 2023.
Recent trail improvements at the Rail Corridor include new access points near Queensway Flyover and Jalan Kilang Barat, with more works starting this year to add access points for residents in nearby estates, including Ulu Pandan.
The government will continue to engage stakeholders to shape green spaces as inclusive and accessible community areas while safeguarding natural heritage.

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15 Feb 2022

Plan to Shift Public Service's Operating Model from "Just in Time" to "Just in Case"

The Minister for Finance confirmed that the Government already incorporates "just in case" provisions in planning for resilience against shocks, but will not fully shift to a "just in case" model due to the high costs and fiscal imprudence of comprehensive insurance against all risks.
Singapore balances resilience and efficiency through targeted measures, such as the Four National Taps for water security, the Rice Stockpile Scheme for food supply, and the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund for climate risks, ensuring preparedness without over-budgeting.
To manage costs, the Government uses cost-efficient approaches like dual-purpose facilities, and will continue seeking new ways to maintain resilience sustainably amid tightening fiscal space.

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15 Feb 2022

Annual Budgets Provided to Primary Care, Community Hospitals and Nursing Homes in Last Three Financial Years and Plans for Higher Allocations Given Ageing Population with More Chronic Diseases

MOH’s expenditure on public acute hospitals and specialist outpatient clinics rose from $6.7 billion in FY2017 to $6.9 billion in FY2019.
Expenditure on primary care and intermediate and long-term care, including community hospitals and nursing homes, increased from $1.4 billion in FY2017 to $2 billion in FY2019.
Investment in primary and long-term care is expected to continue rising to support an ageing population with more chronic diseases.
Plans include expanding polyclinics from 23 to 32 by 2030, building three new public community hospitals, and growing aged care services to help seniors age in place.

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15 Feb 2022

Types and Frequency of Enforcement Actions Taken against Errant Active Mobility Device Riders who Speed or Ride on Pathways

Active Mobility Enforcement Officers (AMEOs) are deployed daily, including at night, with joint operations with NParks and technology like mobile CCTVs to catch speeding or wrong-path riders, issuing offence forms and seizing non-compliant devices.
LTA ensures alternative crossings and signage for pathways affected by infrastructure works, deploys AMEOs for egregious offences, and urges collective responsibility for path safety.
Denise Phua requests more resources for enforcement and management on the North-South Corridor in the Central District, citing narrow paths and noise from works.
Baey Yam Keng acknowledges the challenges, notes periodic deployment of AMEOs in affected areas, and commits to working with contractors to minimize disturbance while managing resources.
Both speakers emphasize the need for public cooperation and responsible use of shared spaces to ensure safety during infrastructure projects.

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14 Feb 2022

Benchmarks for Resumption of Operations at Changi Airport Terminal 2 and Plans for Adequate Supporting Manpower

Melvin Yong asked about the benchmarks for reopening Changi Airport Terminal 2 and plans to ensure sufficient manpower for its resumption.
S Iswaran stated that Terminal 2 was suspended in May 2020 for expansion works and is scheduled to reopen progressively from 2022 as works complete, to support air travel recovery.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore is working with airport companies to ramp up manpower by recalling redeployed workers and hiring new ones, while strengthening business continuity planning.

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14 Feb 2022

Measures to Secure Submarine Infrastructure Built for Import of Renewable Energy from Indonesia to Singapore

EMA will evaluate import proposals with experts to ensure high security and reliability of submarine infrastructure for renewable energy from Indonesia, targeting up to 4 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035.
Penalties for disruptions and excessive restoration times will incentivize importers to protect cables through redundancies, maintenance, and repairs, while damaging cables in Singapore waters is an offence under the Electricity Act.
Onshore backups like energy storage systems and gas turbines will provide resilience during protracted outages, and small-scale trials are underway to refine frameworks for future large-scale imports.

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14 Feb 2022

Update on Lamppost-as-a-Platform Project

The Lamppost-as-a-Platform (LaaP) project is in two trials, with the first in Geylang and One-North nearing completion and the second in Punggol Northshore starting in April 2022, assessing technical and business feasibility.
GovTech has found it technically feasible to mount sensors on lampposts and design shareable infrastructure, but large-scale rollout will only begin when suitable cost-effective use cases are identified to form anchor demand.
Data sharing between public agencies under LaaP is governed by the Public Sector (Governance) Act and the Government Instruction Manual, which regulate data management and penalize unauthorized disclosure or misuse.
The Punggol trial will explore compact integrated designs for new sites and test residential use cases like playground monitoring, with a full approach decided after evaluation in 2023.
The project aims to enable agencies to share infrastructure and data efficiently, avoiding duplication, with international peers still in early testing stages without city-wide implementations.

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14 Feb 2022

Use of Styrofoam in Making of Aeration Holes in Open Car Park Lots

Miss Cheryl Chan asked whether styrofoam is used for aeration holes in open car park lots, why it is used, and if sustainable alternatives or a phase-out timeline exist.
Desmond Lee confirmed HDB uses food-grade styrofoam moulds to create planting voids in concrete slabs, which help grass growth and reduce heat, and these moulds are disposed of properly as general waste.
HDB is exploring more sustainable construction methods and has successfully piloted an alternative design that does not use styrofoam, which will be adopted during future upgrades of existing surface car parks.

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14 Feb 2022

Design Standards in Place to Ensure Future-ready Carparks Can Support Electric Vehicles and Plans for Insurance for Building Protection Against Explosions

Miss Cheryl Chan asked about design standards for carparks to support electric vehicles and insurance plans for building protection against explosions from EVs or charging systems.
The Ministry of Transport is studying measures to ensure new developments provide sufficient electrical capacity for EV charging and will announce details later.
EVs and charging equipment must comply with stringent safety standards, including UN regulations and Singapore’s Technical Reference 25, with regular reviews by LTA and agencies.
The Fire Code was updated in September 2021 to include specific fire safety requirements for EV charging stations.
LTA requires public EV charging operators to obtain and maintain public liability insurance to cover third-party losses or damages from charging infrastructure.

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14 Feb 2022

Impact of New Trends Such As Work and Study from Home on Design of Future Building Developments

Sharael Taha questioned how trends like multi-generational living, working and studying from home, and sustainable living concerns are influencing future building designs, and whether the Ministry will integrate solar energy, natural lighting, and ventilation into new developments to reduce energy and water use.
Desmond Lee responded that the Ministry takes a holistic approach to create a liveable, sustainable environment, and HDB is continuously reviewing flat designs to accommodate changing demographics, lifestyles, and work-from-home needs, offering flexible layouts and various flat types.
The Ministry is promoting sustainable living through initiatives like solar-ready roofs, rainwater harvesting, and the Green Towns Programme, while the Building and Construction Authority mandates energy efficiency improvements for large new buildings and recognizes higher standards through the Green Mark scheme.
Incentives such as the Built Environment Transformation GFA Incentive Scheme provide additional floor area for private developments meeting top sustainability standards, and new public buildings and Government Land Sales developments must also achieve these standards.
The Ministry will continue engaging the public and exploring new planning concepts to support evolving resident needs and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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14 Feb 2022

Number of Sound Pollution Complaints in HDB Estates over Past Two Years and Studies on How to Manage Them Via Better Design and Construction Materials for New HDB Estates

The number of noise-related feedback cases in HDB estates increased by about 25% from 2020 to 2021, partly due to work-from-home arrangements and the resumption of renovation activities.
HDB has improved sound insulation over the years, using thicker concrete walls and floor slabs, and offering vinyl strip flooring in newer Build-to-Order flats to reduce impact noise.
HDB employs design measures like orienting blocks away from noise sources and using car parks as noise buffers, and continues to explore practical solutions while encouraging residents to show consideration for neighbours.

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