Infrastructure & development — Topics

14 Sep 2021

Islandwide Implementation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points

The government is deploying EV charging points in public carparks to improve geographical coverage quickly, with over 600 points set for installation in the next year across about 200 carparks.
The eight EV-Ready Towns were highlighted because they require minimal electrical upgrades, but all HDB towns will become EV-Ready Towns by the 2030s.
For private developments, owners must assess their own deployment needs, and the government supports this through incentives like the EV Common Charger Grant.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Sep 2021

Impact of COVID-19-related Delays on Flats under Home Improvement Programme

Minister Desmond Lee stated that despite COVID-19 affecting construction capacity, the government aims to complete the extended Home Improvement Programme within its 10-year projection, with selections progressing based on fiscal and construction considerations.
The Lift Upgrading Programme has faced delays of about a year due to the circuit breaker, manpower crunch, and safe management measures, though work on all ongoing projects has resumed and residents are being updated on progress.
About 150 blocks remain without feasible lift upgrades due to cost or technical constraints, but HDB is exploring cost-reduction methods and alternatives, with affected residents eligible for a Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 if they need to relocate for direct lift access.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Sep 2021

Sustainability Practices in Built Environment in Singapore

The Ministry for National Development is implementing sustainability practices under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, focusing on transforming Singapore into a City in Nature through new parks and nature corridors.
Sustainability standards for buildings and HDB towns are being raised, including the refreshed Green Mark scheme, Super Low Energy standards for residential buildings, and the HDB Green Towns Programme to introduce green features.
R&D in urban sustainability is being driven through programs like Cities of Tomorrow and a Marine Climate Change Science programme to address environmental challenges.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Sep 2021

Independent Environmental Impact Assessment for Dover Forest Development Plans

Louis Ng asked if an independent environmental impact assessment has been conducted for the Dover Forest development and requested one if not, while Desmond Lee explained that the Ulu Pandan site is earmarked for residential use, with an Environmental Baseline Study done, public and nature group consultations held, and revised plans to protect biodiversity including a future nature park and green corridor.
HDB engaged an external consultant for the baseline study, published the report online with extended feedback, and incorporated NParks’ ecological profiling to balance development with conservation, such as deferring development in the western half for about 10 years.
The government’s approach includes creating an ecological connector between Clementi Forest and the Southern Ridges, establishing a green corridor along Ulu Pandan Canal, and developing an Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan to mitigate and monitor impacts during construction.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Sep 2021

Flood Management and Adaptation Measures for Public Transport Systems

The Minister outlined flood management measures including adherence to PUB’s drainage code, enhanced design standards since 2011, and infrastructure features like raised platforms and flood barriers, with annual inspections and regular maintenance of drainage equipment.
LTA and PUB are conducting a review of flood risks for MRT stations and depots, with preliminary findings indicating existing protections are sufficient, and a full study expected by 3Q 2022.
Emergency plans involve SCDF leading evacuations if passengers are stranded, LTA coordinating with SPF to manage road closures, and real-time traffic information being disseminated to the public.
LTA works with agencies and operators to regularly exercise emergency flood responses, including biannual staff training for flood barrier installation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Sep 2021

Measures to Mitigate against Flooding Given Inclement Weather Due To Indian Ocean Dipole

The Minister emphasized that climate change is intensifying extreme weather, leading to more flash floods in Singapore, as seen in recent record rainfall events that exceeded monthly totals within hours.
PUB has reduced flood-prone areas from 3,200 hectares in the 1970s to 28 hectares today through $2 billion in drainage investments and plans to spend another $1.4 billion over five years, while using portable barriers, enhanced forecasting, and public alerts to manage transient flash floods.
The August 2021 flood in Tampines was caused by a contractor illegally altering drainage without approval, prompting PUB to press charges and remind contractors to comply with regulations to prevent construction materials from blocking drains.
The government coordinates inter-agency efforts for major roadworks but will review enforcement and monitoring measures to address unauthorised alterations and poor housekeeping by contractors.
Members of the public are encouraged to subscribe to SMS alerts from NEA and PUB for early warnings and to adjust daily schedules based on weather advisories to build community resilience.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Greening Plan for New and Existing Parks

Miss Cheryl Chan asked if the pandemic has affected the greening plan to develop new parks and enhance existing ones by 2026.
Desmond Lee confirmed the government remains committed to adding over 130 hectares of new parks and enhancing about 170 hectares of existing parks by 2026.
Some projects may face delays due to COVID-19-related manpower and material shortages, but NParks will work to minimise these setbacks.
NParks continues to engage stakeholders virtually to design new parks and will press ahead with the City in Nature vision.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Proposal to Slow Down Sale of Government Land Parcels for New Developments to Preserve Green Spaces

Ms Poh Li San proposed slowing government land sales to preserve green spaces and incentivizing energy-efficient air-conditioning in buildings, citing climate concerns and the building sector's high carbon emissions.
Minister Desmond Lee emphasized the government's long-term land use planning that balances housing, green spaces, and other needs, while committing to expand green spaces by 1,000 hectares and plant one million more trees by 2030.
The government calibrates land supply carefully, imposes higher sustainability requirements on new developments, and supports building owners through grants and financing schemes for energy-efficient retrofits.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Financial Viability of HDB BTO Contractors and Assistance for Subcontractors in Greatearth’s Public Projects

The government is working with Greatearth’s liquidators to appoint new contractors to complete the five affected HDB BTO projects and is facilitating discussions between new main contractors and existing subcontractors to help them continue their work.
HDB is providing affected flat buyers with updates on revised completion dates and offers case-by-case assistance, including temporary housing options, waiver of forfeiture fees, and flexible cancellation policies for those choosing to purchase resale flats.
HDB has implemented extensive support measures for contractors, including co-sharing increased foreign manpower and operating costs, providing substantial advance payments, extending steel price protection, and supplying additional concreting materials to help them cope with COVID-19-related challenges.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Protection of Inland Elevated Slopes and Areas from Landslips and Weakening Soil Conditions

Ms Ng Ling Ling asked whether there will be systematic efforts to identify and fortify inland elevated slopes and areas at risk of landslips and sinkholes, similar to coastal defence plans.
Desmond Lee stated that agencies like NParks conduct regular slope inspections and implement mitigation measures, while BCA requires risk assessments and slope protection measures for slopes formed from building works.
BCA issues advisories to land and building owners to manage landslip risks through drainage and maintenance, and requires site investigations and monitoring for works that could cause sinkholes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Update on Plans and Timeline for Projects to Protect Singapore's Coastlines from Impact of Climate Change

The Minister stated that sea-level rise of up to one metre by 2100 poses an existential threat to Singapore, and the government is using the latest climate projections, including from the IPCC, to inform coastal protection plans.
Site-specific studies for coastal protection, including polders, seawalls, and hybrid solutions, have begun for the East Coast, with similar studies for Jurong Island and the North-West coast set to commence in 2022.
A pilot polder project is underway at Pulau Tekong to assess feasibility, and the Ministry aims to keep adaptation measures nimble to account for evolving climate science and uncertainties.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Singapore's Measures to Mitigate Impact of Higher Temperatures on Residents, Fauna, Flora and Sea Levels

The government is developing a heat mitigation action plan, including cool paint pilots on HDB blocks and expanding urban greenery like planting 170,000 more trees in industrial estates to combat higher temperatures.
Research is being intensified under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Plan 2025 to study climate change impacts on terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems to guide biodiversity conservation efforts.
Coastal protection and flood resilience are being strengthened through site-specific studies, a new Coastal-Inland Flood Model, and investments of $1.4 billion over five years for drainage works.
The government will adopt a science-based, flexible approach to updating long-term coastal protection plans, while building community resilience through partnerships with local stakeholders.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Impact on Singapore Due To Change in Government in Malaysia

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan affirmed that Singapore will continue to work constructively with Malaysia's new government led by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, emphasizing that bilateral ties remain strong regardless of political changes.
Both countries are actively cooperating on key projects like the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, which is under construction and scheduled to start service in 2026, and on COVID-19 border control measures including mutual recognition of vaccine certificates.
The Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to safely resume cross-border travel in the endemic phase, with both governments working to establish public health protocols that protect citizens while easing movement restrictions.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Aug 2021

Compensation by Government Agencies to Construction Firms for Full Price Fluctuations for Materials Used in Construction Projects

Gerald Giam questioned how the Ministry ensures government agencies fully compensate construction firms for material price fluctuations and whether any shortfalls will be reimbursed.
The Ministry responded that agencies use the Public Sector Standard Conditions of Contract, which includes a fluctuation clause tied to key material price indices like ready-mix concrete and steel rebars.
Government agencies are contractually bound to adjust contract prices based on these indices during projects, addressing price fluctuations.
The response implies that adjustments are made according to the specified indices, but it does not explicitly state whether full compensation or reimbursement of shortfalls is guaranteed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Aug 2021

Progress of Planned Rollout of 5G Network to Half of Country by 2022

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the percentage completion of the 5G network rollout to half the country by 2022 and whether there are targets for 5G subscribers and user penetration rates.
Mrs Josephine Teo stated that Singapore is on track to meet its target of deploying 5G standalone outdoor coverage across half of Singapore by end-2022 and nationwide by end-2025.
She highlighted that 5G is critical for the digital economy and will enable innovative applications like IoT, AR, and VR, with trials already underway with partners like PSA Singapore and Razer.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority does not set specific targets for 5G subscribers or penetration rates but facilitates market competition to drive adoption, similar to previous mobile technologies.
Adoption and penetration rates are expected to be driven by market forces and will naturally increase over time as 5G becomes more established.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2021

Measures to Ensure Sufficient Infant Care Centres, Child Care Centres and Kindergarten Places in Each Constituency

ECDA plans for preschool demand by Planning Area, using demographic and enrollment data to coordinate with agencies like HDB and URA to develop new centers in housing projects and on government land.
As demand changes, ECDA regularly reviews plans and works with preschools and HDB to expand facilities in community spaces or vacant land, with a focus on areas with high demand like Punggol and Sengkang.
The government has increased full-day childcare places by 50% since 2015, to about 190,000 places, and will add 10,000 more full-day places by 2023, mainly in new housing developments.
For half-day kindergarten services, accessible and affordable options are provided by Anchor Operators and MOE, with the number of MOE Kindergartens set to grow from 36 to about 60 by 2025.
ECDA continuously monitors and adapts to factors like COVID-19 and changing family needs to ensure adequate preschool provision across all Planning Areas.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2021

Transportation Infrastructure Plans to Support Build-up of Tuas Mega Port and Increased Business Activities in Tuas

The Land Transport Authority has completed infrastructure upgrades such as the Tuas West Extension, new MRT stations, bus services, and the Tuas Road Viaduct to support growing travel demand in Tuas, with further improvements expected from the upcoming Jurong Region Line.
Authorities continue to monitor transport needs and engage stakeholders to ensure adequacy, with future MRT extensions contingent on holistic demand assessments from both port workers and surrounding industrial developments.
Plans for expanding road networks and increasing expressway capacity to serve Tuas Mega Port are under ongoing review, with developments phased to align with the port’s operational scaling.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

27 Jul 2021

Current and Projected Consumption of Concrete in Singapore till 2025

Singapore consumed an average of 11.5 million cubic metres of concrete annually over the last five years, with projections of 10.5 to 12.2 million cubic metres per year until 2025.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) enforces regulations and a Green Mark scheme to promote efficient concrete use, sustainable materials, and alternatives like non-concrete drywalls and Mass Engineered Timber.
Under the Singapore Green Building Masterplan, BCA will increase focus on reducing concrete usage in building design and construction.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

27 Jul 2021

Progress on Construction and Operation of Tuas Mega Port and Strategic Adjustments Made for Post-COVID-19

The construction of Tuas Port continues safely amid COVID-19, with Phase 1 reclamation on track for completion by 2027 to support 21 berths handling 20 million TEUs annually, and PSA set to operationalize the first two berths by year-end.
Tuas Port is designed to handle future mega vessels, integrate with Tuas industrial logistics, and aim for a 65 million TEU capacity by the 2040s, becoming the world’s largest fully automated container terminal.
COVID-19 has prompted supply chain resilience strategies, with PSA expanding into cargo solutions and Tuas Port’s modular design allowing flexible construction staging to adapt to demand changes.
The Port of Singapore has maintained competitiveness, with a 5% container throughput increase in the first half of the year and a focus on digitalization, automation, and value-added services to support global supply chains.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

27 Jul 2021

Adoption Rates of Electric Passenger Vehicles

The Minister reported that electric vehicle adoption is rising, with 1.3% of new vehicle registrations in early 2021 being electric, up from 0.3% in 2020, and this growth is expected to continue due to incentives and lower battery costs.
The government aims to install 60,000 charging points by 2030, with plans to add 600 more at public carparks next year and encourage private premises to expand charging infrastructure.
For public buses, the government has committed to purchasing only cleaner energy buses since 2020, with 60 electric buses expected by the end of the year and a goal to eliminate diesel buses by 2040.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source