Infrastructure & development — Topics

2 Nov 2021

Number of Electric Motorcycles Registered and Projected for Next Five Years and Plans for More Charging Points

There are currently five electric motorcycles registered in Singapore, with the number expected to grow as more models become available globally.
The Ministry of Transport does not provide specific projections for electric motorcycle popularity but notes ongoing engagement with manufacturers to understand adoption trends.
The Land Transport Authority is developing a deployment strategy for charging infrastructure, considering diverse charging modes and balancing safety, accessibility, and affordability.
Efforts include engaging both global and local manufacturers to inform plans for electric motorcycle charging points.
No direct commitments were made to spur industry installation of more charging points, but the strategy will guide future infrastructure decisions.

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2 Nov 2021

Timeline between BTO Flat Application and Key Collection

The Minister for National Development outlined that before COVID-19, the average waiting time for BTO projects launched in 2019 was three to four years, and after the pandemic, projects launched in 2020 have an average waiting time of about four years.
For ongoing projects, most flat buyers are expected to move into their new homes within four to five years after booking, barring any further unforeseen circumstances.
HDB aims to keep waiting times as short as possible and has implemented assistance measures to help contractors complete projects on time, but waiting times can vary due to project-specific factors like storey height, number of units, and site conditions.
The government emphasises that HDB endeavours to complete all BTO projects expeditiously without compromising safety and quality.

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2 Nov 2021

Possibility of HDB BTO Flats Taking Longer to Complete and Measures to Adopt Technology to Improve Productivity in Construction Sector

The Minister confirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused delays of six to twelve months for most HDB BTO projects, but the average waiting time remains between four and five years and is not expected to lengthen further barring unforeseen circumstances.
To improve productivity, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is promoting the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) method, which has seen adoption double from 19% in 2017 to 39% in 2020, with plans to make it the default for large projects.
The government is enhancing the Buildability Framework by raising the minimum Buildable Design Score for large developments and offering financial support through the Productivity Innovation Project scheme to help firms adopt DfMA.
HDB has implemented various productivity initiatives, achieving a 25% improvement in site productivity in 2020 compared to 2010 levels, in collaboration with BCA.

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2 Nov 2021

Assistance for HDB BTO Flat Buyers who Face Completion Delays and Evaluation Indicators for HDB Contractors with Poor Performance for Future Projects

HDB monitors contractor performance through regular site tracking and a six-monthly assessment framework, with poor performance affecting future project eligibility; Waterway Sunrise II faced delays due to contractor financial difficulties, prompting HDB to appoint a new contractor with expected completion six to nine months late.
Affected BTO buyers are supported with measures like doubled Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme supply, case-by-case Interim Rental Housing for low-income families, and maximum reimbursement under the COVID-19 Act.
Post-completion, HDB conducts strict quality checks and provides a 12-month Defects Liability Period, with ongoing case-by-case assistance for any post-handover issues.

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2 Nov 2021

Beyond Home Ownership: Supporting Diverse Aspirations Through Rental Housing

Mr Louis Chua argues that Singapore should significantly expand its public rental housing scheme, citing a severe shortage of rental flats, long waiting times, and restrictive income eligibility criteria that exclude many needy families, and proposes diversifying housing options to better support changing life stages, workforce flexibility, and the gig economy.
The government maintains that home ownership remains the cornerstone of Singapore's social compact, providing stability, rootedness, and asset value, and currently offers targeted rental schemes only as a safety net for low-income households or those awaiting their own homes, which are meant to lead eventually to ownership.
Mr Chua suggests building rental flats at intermediate price points between current public rental and open-market rates, and even a REIT model for fractional ownership, to make renting more attractive and financially viable; the government counters that this would be a major policy shift, potentially affecting market rents and weakening community stability.
Both sides agree on the need to monitor housing trends and address the aspirations of diverse groups, but the government stresses that expanding subsidized rental options would require careful consideration due to fiscal constraints and the overriding priority to support home ownership.

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2 Nov 2021

Energy (Resilience Measures and Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) will be empowered to build, own, and operate critical energy infrastructure, such as power generation units and energy storage solutions, to safeguard Singapore's energy security and reliability during the transition to low-carbon sources.
The Bill enhances penalties for damaging critical electricity and gas infrastructure and expands EMA’s authority to impose energy and carbon efficiency standards on licensees to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Ministers and MPs emphasized the need for diversification of energy sources, including solar, regional imports, and low-carbon alternatives, while balancing consumer affordability and supporting vulnerable households amid rising electricity prices.

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1 Nov 2021

Estimated Backlog of Delayed Ongoing HDB Neighbourhood Renewal Projects

Ms Ng Ling Ling asked the Minister for National Development about the number of delayed HDB neighbourhood renewal projects, the backlog size, clearance timeline, and whether contractors can get support for raw material prices.
Minister Desmond Lee said 18 out of 32 ongoing Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) projects are delayed over six months due to COVID-19 impacts, with all resuming work and expected to finish in two to three years.
He noted that raw material price support does not apply to NRP projects because Town Councils typically don’t include such clauses in tenders, but contractors can use other relief measures like the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act and universal Extension of Time.

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1 Nov 2021

Update on Plans to Build Cycling Paths at Bukit Batok SMC

The Government is committed to tripling cycling paths to around 1,300 km by 2030 under the Islandwide Cycling Network programme to support safe and convenient active mobility.
For Bukit Batok SMC, plans focus on improving connectivity to transport nodes like Bukit Batok MRT and the future Jurong Region Line Bukit Batok West MRT station, as well as amenities such as West Mall and Bukit Batok West Shopping Centre.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will call an engineering consultancy study by the end of this year to develop and evaluate cycling paths in the Western region, including Bukit Batok, with more details to be shared when confirmed.

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1 Nov 2021

Compensation when Electricity Retailers Exit Market and Plans to Increase Power Generation Capacity

Mr. Don Wee inquired about assistance for households receiving compensation from electricity retailers that exited the market, which led to higher prices.
Mr. Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked for data on past and projected electricity reserve margins and plans to increase power generation capacity to meet rising demand.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that his reply to the questions was provided in a previous parliamentary session on 1 November 2021, directing members to the official report.

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1 Nov 2021

Update on Efforts towards 2030 Targets for Generating Electricity with Solar Energy and Encouraging Private Property Owners to Install Solar Energy Systems

Singapore is on track to meet its 2030 target of generating at least 2 GWp of solar energy, with installed capacity increasing eight-fold since 2015 to over 500 MWp by mid-2021.
The government is leading solar deployment through programmes like SolarNova and exploring innovative installations on water bodies, vacant land, and sheltered walkways, including a large 60 MWp floating solar farm at Tengeh Reservoir.
Regulatory enhancements by the Energy Market Authority, such as the Simplified Credit Treatment Scheme, allow solar adopters to easily sell excess electricity back to the grid and receive payments through their monthly bills.
Initiatives like JTC’s SolarRoof and SolarLand programmes help commercial and industrial tenants adopt solar with zero upfront costs, while the Building and Construction Authority encourages solar adoption under the Green Mark 2021 scheme.
The government will continue collaborating with stakeholders to maximize solar energy adoption, as solar remains Singapore's most viable renewable energy source.

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1 Nov 2021

Progress on Development of Proposed Polyclinic at Junction of Serangoon Central and Upper Serangoon Road

Seah Kian Peng inquired about the status and completion timeline of a planned polyclinic at the Serangoon Central and Upper Serangoon Road junction.
Ong Ye Kung confirmed the polyclinic was announced in 2019 and is currently at the demolition stage, with construction set to start next year.
The Minister stated the polyclinic is scheduled to open by 2025, assuming no unexpected issues arise.

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1 Nov 2021

Military Camps that Tap On Renewable Sources of Energy to Generate Power

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked about the percentage of military camps using renewable energy, feasibility of solar panels, and any installation plans.
MINDEF and the SAF are committed to supporting Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and have begun installing solar panels in suitable camp areas.
By April next year, about one in four camps will have solar panels, generating 20 MWp of electricity, equivalent to the consumption of about 5,000 four-room households.
By 2025, solar panel adoption will expand to nearly two-thirds of camps, generating 50 MWp of electricity.
The plans will proceed without compromising operational effectiveness.

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5 Oct 2021

Update on Review of Proposal to Convert Vacant School Sites to Retirement Villages or Assisted Living Facilities for Aged

The Ministry for National Development and Ministry of Health are collaborating to expand senior housing options, including developing assisted living facilities and Community Care Apartments.
A pilot Community Care Apartments project in Bukit Batok was well-received, and a second pilot is being considered, while private sector models and sites like vacant schools are being evaluated for retrofitting.
Vacant school sites are being assessed case-by-case for various uses, including assisted living, with feasibility studies involving stakeholder engagement and market interest analysis.

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5 Oct 2021

Manpower and Infrastructure Plans to Ensure Sufficient Healthcare Support for Elderly

The Ministry of Health is strengthening community support for seniors to enable ageing-in-place through enhanced eldercare centres and community care services.
Over 4,600 day care and 3,100 home care places have been added since 2015, with plans to onboard more than 200 eldercare centres by 2024.
Infrastructure expansions include 10 primary care networks involving over 600 GP clinics and a target of 32 polyclinics by 2030, some co-located with eldercare services.
Manpower efforts focus on raising salary competitiveness and career progression opportunities for the community care workforce.
The eldercare centres will promote active ageing, befriending, and care services for seniors in the community.

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5 Oct 2021

Impact of Corrupt Transactions Involving Former LTA Deputy Group Director on Standards and Safety of Thomson-East Coast and Cross Island MRT Lines

Sylvia Lim asked about the impact on standards and safety of the Thomson-East Coast and Cross Island MRT Lines due to corrupt actions of a former LTA deputy group director.
Minister S Iswaran referred to his previous reply on the matter in a parliamentary session on 13 September 2021, citing a written answer regarding companies involved.
The debate highlighted concerns about integrity in public infrastructure projects and the need for transparency in addressing corruption cases.

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5 Oct 2021

Restrictions on Redevelopment Given Recent Focus on Sustainability and the Environment

Seah Kian Peng questioned if the Ministry would consider age-based restrictions and limits on redevelopment to align with sustainability goals.
Desmond Lee noted that existing laws already impose higher consent thresholds for younger buildings, with most collective sales involving developments over 30 years old.
He highlighted that proposals undergo environmental impact assessments and promote sustainable construction practices through guidelines and incentives.
The government balances environmental responsibility with housing needs through planning evaluations and green building standards.

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5 Oct 2021

Help for Potential BTO Flat Owners Affected by COVID-19-related Construction Delays

Miss Cheryl Chan and Mr Seah Kian Peng raised concerns about BTO flat delays due to COVID-19 and high demand, asking if timelines would lengthen and if more flats could be built or brought forward.
Minister Desmond Lee stated that BTO supply is increasing, with over 17,000 flats planned for next year, and most projects still have waiting times of four to five years, not six to seven years as feared.
To mitigate delays, HDB is providing extensive support, including new contractors for stalled projects, interim housing options like PPHS and IRH, and financial compensation for delays under the COVID-19 Act.
The Minister acknowledged high demand from demographic trends and pandemic factors, emphasizing a balanced approach to support both BTO and resale markets, with grants and case-by-case waivers for affected buyers.
In response to supplementary questions, the Minister confirmed ongoing efforts to monitor housing market stability and address concerns like income ceiling eligibility and rental flat availability under PPHS.

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4 Oct 2021

Determining Projected Number of Dwelling Units and Timeline to Reach Said Number and Breakdown of FY2019/2020 Projection into HDB Flats and Private Developments

The projected ultimate number of 1,557,000 dwelling units is derived from the land area zoned for residential use in the Master Plan within HDB town boundaries and includes existing and future developments.
This figure is an estimate for land-use planning, not a target to be reached, and may change with regular reviews of land use and development plans.
Of the 1,557,000 units, 82% are HDB flats and 18% are private housing, including Executive Condominiums.

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4 Oct 2021

Proposal to Install Mandatory Red Amber Green Signals for Right Turns in Junctions near Schools

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim proposed installing mandatory Red Amber Green signals for right turns at junctions within 100 metres of schools and requested that LTA expedite such installations near schools from the planned 600 by 2024.
S Iswaran stated that LTA is prioritising Red Amber Green signals near schools, with over 60% of junctions within 100 metres already equipped, and is also expediting them at heavily used junctions like transport nodes.
He added that LTA’s School Zone scheme includes additional traffic calming measures such as lighted alert signs, pedestrian crossings, road humps, and road markings to promote safe driving near schools.

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4 Oct 2021

Utilisation Rates for Existing Electric Vehicle Charging Points and Update on Installation of Charging Points at Private Premises

Minister S Iswaran noted that with around 2,100 EVs and 2,100 charging points, current utilisation rates per charger are low, but are expected to rise as EV adoption increases.
There is strong interest from retail mall and condominium owners to install chargers, with over 50 management corporations inquiring about the EV Common Charger Grant since its July launch.
The government plans to require new developments to include sufficient electrical capacity and a minimum number of charging points in car parks, catering to all light vehicles including motorcycles.
Operators are studying whether cars and motorcycles can share the same charging point, depending on site-specific configurations and charging systems.

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