Infrastructure & development — Topics

14 Feb 2022

Measures to Address Residents' Complaints of Slippery and Wet Drop-off Points, Walkways and Lift Lobbies in HDB BTO Estates

Murali Pillai asked about HDB’s support for slippery and wet common areas in BTO estates due to heavier rainfall and whether funding will be provided to Town Councils for modifications.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB designs estates with natural lighting, ventilation, and weather protection features, and addresses resident feedback by assessing and providing rain screens case-by-case, subject to fire safety requirements.
HDB uses digital simulations and construction-stage measures to mitigate rainwater splashing in new blocks and collaborates with Town Councils on common area issues.

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12 Jan 2022

Study on Viability and Feasibility of Converting Vacant State Land to Nature Parks for Nearby Residents

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for National Development to study the viability and feasibility of converting small vacant state plots near residential estates into nature parks for nearby residents.
Desmond Lee highlighted Singapore’s extensive greening efforts, including safeguarding over 7,800 hectares of green spaces and planning to add 1,000 more hectares over the next 10 to 15 years, with over 200 hectares dedicated to new nature parks near residential areas.
The government balances green space development with other land-use needs through a science-based approach, considering ecological significance and connectivity, while planning for every household to be within a 10-minute walk from a park by 2030.
NParks’ Ecological Profiling Exercise, launched in 2021, maps green spaces’ ecological profiles with expert input to guide long-term land-use plans and support nature conservation.

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12 Jan 2022

Lower Reliance on Liquified Natural Gas to Hedge against Rising Electricity Prices and Pilot Trial to Import Electricity from Malaysia

Minister Gan Kim Yong highlighted Singapore's multi-pronged approach under the Energy Reset pillar, including scaling solar power to at least 2 GWp by 2030, which is expected to meet about 3% of demand given land constraints.
The Energy Market Authority is advancing plans to import up to 4 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035, with a pilot trial to import 100 MW from Malaysia via existing interconnectors set to commence this year.
To hedge against global energy price volatility, Singapore is diversifying into emerging low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen and geothermal energy through research funding and international partnerships, while noting that energy import dependence remains.

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12 Jan 2022

Additional Costs Incurred for Mount Pleasant and Marina South MRT Stations to be Opened in Stage Three

Melvin Yong asked the Ministry for Transport about the additional costs, figures, and timeline for opening Mount Pleasant and Marina South MRT stations in Stage 3 of the Thomson-East Coast Line.
S Iswaran responded that opening the stations now would cost about $1 million more annually due to low utilization, and delaying their opening would save that amount.
The stations will be opened only when housing developments in the areas are completed, with LTA monitoring development progress and updating the public on future opening dates.

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12 Jan 2022

Data on Future Prime Location Public Housing Planning Zones

The PLH model is intended for selected public housing projects in central locations like the city centre and Greater Southern Waterfront, with specific sites chosen based on factors like location and market value rather than predefined boundaries.
There is currently no definitive list of planning areas or subzones recognized or earmarked for PLH by 2030, as the scheme is new and subject to ongoing monitoring and review.
The government has confirmed that PLH restrictions will not be retroactively applied to existing HDB flats, including those near PLH developments.

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12 Jan 2022

Targets for Installation of Electric Vehicles Charging Points in HDB Carparks and Towns

The debate focused on the installation targets for EV charging points in HDB carparks and towns, with specific reference to Sengkang.
As of December 2021, Sengkang had 28 publicly accessible EV charging points, which were set to increase to 45 later in 2022 under a joint pilot tender.
The government plans to progressively deploy more EV charging points in all HDB carparks, considering EV adoption rates and electrical infrastructure needs.

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12 Jan 2022

Leveraging Latest Technology to Build Lift Access for HDB Blocks that Do Not have Full Direct Lift Access

HDB has adopted innovative solutions like machine room-less elevators and bubble lifts to provide direct lift access to over 5,300 blocks, with about 150 blocks still facing technical or cost constraints.
The Lift Upgrading Programme was launched in 2001 to improve accessibility, especially for the elderly and less mobile residents, and pilot trials continue to explore alternatives like powered stair climbers.
As of December 2021, 28 out of 35 applications for the Lift Access Housing Grant were approved, providing up to $30,000 for residents needing urgent lift access due to medical or mobility reasons.
HDB continues to explore new methods to reduce costs and improve accessibility for the remaining blocks without direct lift access.
The government remains committed to leveraging technology and grants to enhance living conditions for residents in HDB blocks without full lift access.

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12 Jan 2022

Update on Cycling Networks in HDB Towns

The Government is committed to building around 1,300 km of cycling paths by 2030 to support active mobility in all HDB towns.
About 500 km of cycling paths are now available and will be extended to 800 km within the next few years, despite delays caused by COVID-19.
Cycling path works are ongoing in several towns, including Bukit Panjang and Woodlands, with completion expected in the coming years.
The LTA has called tenders for design studies for cycling paths in Nanyang and Gek Poh estates, with construction timelines to be updated when available.

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12 Jan 2022

Plans for Increasing HDB BTO Flats Supply

The government acknowledges rising demand for BTO flats driven by factors like more marriages, smaller households, higher income ceilings, and low interest rates, while noting that application rates are also influenced by popular locations and repeat applicants.
HDB will ramp up supply by launching up to 23,000 flats annually 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, while continuing to monitor demand.
The BTO model remains relevant, with construction already starting ahead of demand where possible, and waiting times have been managed despite COVID-19 delays, averaging 4.3 years with shorter waiting time options around three years being introduced.

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11 Jan 2022

Outcome of HDB BTO Flat Applications from First-timer Families and First-timer Singles in Last 10 Years

From 2011 to 2020, the Ministry provided data on BTO flat applications from and bookings for first-timer families and singles.
The ratio of applications to bookings for first-timer families has risen in recent years due to strong demand and social trends like increased family formation and preference for nuclear families.
To address the high demand, the government plans to increase BTO supply to up to 23,000 flats annually in 2022 and 2023, and aims to launch up to 100,000 flats from 2021 to 2025, depending on demand.

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11 Jan 2022

Progress of Improvement Works on Bukit Timah Canal between Jalan Anak Bukit Flyover and Jalan Kampong Chantek and Estimated Date of Completion

Christopher de Souza asked about the progress and completion date of improvement works on the Bukit Timah Canal between Jalan Anak Bukit flyover and Jalan Kampong Chantek.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that PUB began the drainage improvement work in 2019 and about a quarter was completed by December 2021, with full completion targeted for the first quarter of 2024.
PUB also completed interim road raising works on Dunearn Road in November 2021 to mitigate flood risks before the main canal works finish.
The project is on track to meet the 2024 completion timeline.
The works are part of ongoing efforts to enhance flood resilience in the area.

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11 Jan 2022

Proposal for Cross Island MRT Line to be Extended from Punggol West to Yio Chu Kang Road and Jalan Kayu

Gan Thiam Poh proposed extending the Cross Island Line Punggol extension to Yio Chu Kang Road and Jalan Kayu to better serve residents.
The Ministry of Transport stated there are no plans to extend the line further, citing projected travel demand and existing connectivity via LRT and bus services.
The Ministry highlighted that upcoming Cross Island Line phases and new stations will provide additional links for residents in those areas.

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11 Jan 2022

Proposal for Foldable Wheelchair Lifts to be Installed at HDB Blocks without Lift Access on Every Floor

Gerald Giam asked if HDB plans to install foldable wheelchair lifts in blocks where lifts don't stop on every floor, to assist residents with mobility issues.
The Minister explained that foldable wheelchair lifts are not feasible due to fire safety regulations, as they would obstruct escape paths and introduce electrical fire risks.
HDB is instead piloting powered stair climbers as an alternative, which can help wheelchairs traverse stairs with assistance.
Most blocks without full lift access have been upgraded, and for the remaining blocks, HDB is exploring cost-reduction and accessibility alternatives.
Residents needing urgent lift access can apply for a Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 when purchasing a flat with direct lift access.

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11 Jan 2022

Repurposing of Petrol Kiosks with Higher Adoption of Electric Cars

Seah Kian Peng questioned the Minister for National Development about whether existing petrol kiosks will be repurposed as electric car adoption rises.
The Government aims for all vehicles to run on cleaner energy by 2040 under the Singapore Green Plan and is expanding the EV charging network to meet future needs.
With increasing EV adoption, demand for petrol and diesel is expected to decline, prompting some petrol stations to already install EV chargers.
Land use planning will adapt to changing fuel retailing needs, and some petrol station sites may be rezoned and redeveloped for alternative uses upon lease expiry.

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11 Jan 2022

Incidence of Non-compliance with Regulatory Noise Limits at HDB BTO Construction Sites

The Minister reported receiving 15 instances of feedback on construction noise from HDB BTO projects in Woodlands over October to December 2021.
Investigations are ongoing for one project, but no other instances of non-compliance with regulatory noise limits were recorded by installed noise meters.
The response did not provide a project-by-project breakdown or specify any penalties imposed for non-compliance.

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11 Jan 2022

Discussions to Revive Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High Speed Rail Project

Dennis Tan inquired about updates on discussions to revive the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore High Speed Rail project.
The HSR project was terminated after Malaysia decided not to proceed, with the suspension period ending on 31 December 2020.
Singapore has stated it is open to discussing any new HSR proposal from Malaysia from a clean slate, but no new proposal has been received.

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11 Jan 2022

Building of Further Agri-tech and Urban Farm Clusters to Ensure Food Supply

Dennis Tan questioned whether the Ministry would expand agri-tech and urban farm clusters to secure food supply and curb price disruptions.
Grace Fu clarified that food price fluctuations are influenced by multiple global factors beyond local supply, making total price stability through local production unrealistic.
She emphasized that import diversification, paired with local production, is a more effective strategy for resilience.
The Singapore Food Agency is optimizing land and sea space, including Lim Chu Kang and new sea tenders, to boost farm productivity.
High-tech and urban farms in industrial spaces and on HDB rooftops are being utilized as additional food sources.

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10 Jan 2022

Development Plan for Open Land between Tampines Expressway, Loyang Avenue and Blocks 143 and 149 of Pasir Ris Street 11

The open land between Tampines Expressway, Loyang Avenue and Blocks 143 and 149 of Pasir Ris Street 11 is zoned for residential use in the Master Plan 2019.
The site has been safeguarded for future residential development by the government.
Government agencies are currently working on the specific plans for the site and will share more information publicly when ready.

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10 Jan 2022

Update on SolarNova Programme and Plans to Install Solar Photovoltaic Panels on All HDB Block Rooftops

Gerald Giam asked about HDB's plans to install solar PV panels on all HDB block rooftops, the percentage of rooftops covered under the SolarNova programme, and how the programme has mitigated recent electricity price spikes.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB is working to install solar panels on as many blocks as possible, with about 2,700 blocks (close to 40% of committed blocks) already fitted, and the rest to be installed over the next two to three years.
HDB has called or awarded tenders for a total solar capacity of about 330 MWp covering around 7,000 blocks, and will continue to call more tenders while using higher-efficiency panels to optimize rooftop space.
Solar energy generated is first used to power common services like lifts and lights, with excess energy channelled to the grid, and Town Councils pay for consumed solar energy at preferential rates not higher than the retail electricity tariff, which may help mitigate rising energy costs.

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10 Jan 2022

Outcome of Objections or Representations Submitted by Members of Public Regarding Bukit Brown in Draft Master Plan 2013

Leon Perera questioned whether public objections about Bukit Brown in the 2013 Draft Master Plan were dismissed as frivolous, why no public hearing was held before the 2014 Master Plan was gazetted, and if such hearings could be made public.
Desmond Lee affirmed that the government reviews all public feedback, citing design changes to the Lornie Highway viaduct and heritage projects like artifact documentation as evidence of incorporating input on Bukit Brown.
The government committed to balancing heritage protection with urban development needs by continuing to engage stakeholders and review feedback on future plans.

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