Infrastructure & development — Topics

11 May 2021

Updates on Thomson East Coast Line, Jurong Region Line and Cross Island Line

The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), Jurong Region Line (JRL), and Cross Island Line (CRL) construction by up to a year due to supply and manpower disruptions.
TEL Stage 2 (six stations) will open in Q3 this year, with the full TEL line to open in stages from 2022 to 2025; JRL is scheduled for completion by 2029, and CRL Stage 1 and Punggol Extension are set to open in 2030 and 2032.
The government remains committed to expanding Singapore’s rail network from 230 km to 360 km by the early 2030s to improve accessibility and resilience.

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11 May 2021

Measures to Ensure Young Couples Get HDB Flats Given Projected Construction Delays and Increased Property Prices

Dr Shahira Abdullah questioned the Minister for National Development on the impact of BTO construction delays and rising property prices, specifically asking about oversubscription in the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS), additional measures if oversubscribed, and further help for young couples needing homes.
The Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) saw a rise in applications from 1,370 in 2019 to 2,350 in 2020, but about 40% of successful applicants did not take up flats, indicating not all are in urgent need; HDB is working to stabilize PPHS supply and may offer interim rental housing on a case-by-case basis.
First-timer buyers with urgent needs can consider resale flats with up to $160,000 in grants for immediate occupation, and recent border measures may further delay BTO projects by an additional three months beyond the earlier communicated six to nine months, with HDB providing updates and assistance to affected buyers.

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11 May 2021

Proposal to Set Up Register for BTO Flat Applicants to Indicate Interest and Areas of Preference

Gan Thiam Poh proposed that HDB create a register for BTO flat applicants to indicate interest and preferred areas to better plan launches.
Desmond Lee responded that such a register may not accurately reflect real demand as there is no commitment to buy, and land constraints limit supply in popular areas.
He explained that HDB already reviews launch sites to ensure a mix of mature and non-mature estates and monitors the market to calibrate public housing supply accordingly.

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11 May 2021

Support for Companies Affected by Restrictions on Travellers from India

The recent border restrictions on India are expected to significantly impact the supply of migrant workers for the Construction, Marine, and Process sectors, leading to project delays and potential job losses.
The government has allowed construction firms to source workers from alternative countries like China and is introducing temporary measures to ease entry and certification requirements.
Additional support includes extensions of time for public sector projects, financial compensation for delays, increased foreign worker levy rebates, and legislation to adjust contract sums for rising manpower costs.
Authorities will continue to engage firms and explore further measures to help the sectors cope, while pushing for long-term productivity improvements to reduce reliance on migrant workers.

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11 May 2021

Key Decision Factors when Merging Schools

MOE considers national and local demand and supply trends, projected population changes, and housing development programmes like BTO projects when deciding which schools to merge, aiming for sufficient and well-distributed school places.
The Ministry actively monitors areas with increasing school-going children due to new BTO flats and reviews plans accordingly, but does not specifically factor in protracted future admission rate increases as a standalone decision factor.
Vacated school sites, such as Fuchun Secondary School, are assessed for potential reuse like interim holding sites; if no plans exist, they are returned to the Singapore Land Authority for adaptive reuse or redevelopment, with Fuchun's future use not yet finalized.

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11 May 2021

COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Amendment No 3) Bill

The Bill amends the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act to allow contractors to apply for adjustments to contract sums due to increased foreign manpower costs from October 2020 to September 2021, with an assessor determining a just and equitable sharing of these costs among project parties.
The Government has introduced additional support measures, including an Extension of Time for public projects, increased Foreign Worker Levy rebates, and temporary flexibility for Chinese workers to obtain skills certification locally, to address the severe manpower shortage in the construction sector.
Members of Parliament raised concerns about the Bill's impact on BTO flat prices, public expenditure, and the need for longer-term productivity transformation, while also suggesting further measures such as expanding foreign worker sources and enhancing support for contractors.

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11 May 2021

Land Transport Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

The amendment bill gives the Land Transport Authority a formal mandate to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure, aiming for 60,000 charging points by 2030 to support Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, with a focus on public carparks, private residences, and equitable access.
Multiple MPs raised concerns about safety, including the risks of EV battery fires and illegal modifications, calling for updated regulations and collaboration among agencies to enforce standards, educate the public, and ensure secure charging infrastructure.
The debate highlighted the need for planning ahead on sustainability issues, such as managing e-waste from EV batteries, extending vehicle lifespans, and promoting other green transport options like cycling to reduce carbon emissions and support a car-lite society.

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11 May 2021

Land Transport Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

The Bill amends the Land Transport Authority Act to grant LTA new statutory functions for promoting and regulating the safe use of electric vehicles (EVs) and developing publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure, formalizing its lead role in setting technical standards and collaborating with the Energy Market Authority.
Members support the Bill but raise concerns on safety, infrastructure rollout, and cross-agency coordination, including risks of electrical overload, battery fire recalls, and the need for clearer guidelines for HDB, Town Councils, and EMA collaboration.
Questions are raised about EV charging network design, such as the minimum number of chargers per carpark, avoiding congestion, and implementing fees or fines to move vehicles promptly after charging.
The debate calls for plans to reskill the workforce for EV maintenance and promote hybrid vehicles as a low-hanging fruit for decarbonization, alongside a review of COE categories to avoid premium costs for cleaner energy vehicles.
Members urge enhanced incentives for high-use drivers like taxi and private hire car fleets, clear government targets for EV charging infrastructure and fleet electrification, and a strategy for managing EV battery e-waste through recycling and material recovery mandates.

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11 May 2021

Measures to Enhance Road Safety Apart from Licensing Cyclists

The Ministry will expand cycling paths from 460 km to over 1,300 km by 2030 to separate cyclists from motor vehicles where possible, while enforcing existing traffic rules for cyclists and motorists, with penalties for errant behavior.
Public education and awareness campaigns, such as the revamping of the Safe Riding Programme and collaboration with the Active Mobility Advisory Panel, are prioritized to foster gracious road-sharing and review safety rules, including group cycling limits.
The government is studying overseas practices and conducting stakeholder consultations to assess trade-offs, including whether licensing cyclists or other measures would effectively enhance road safety without undue cost or burden.

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10 May 2021

Annual Completion Number and Annual Net Increase in Number of HDB Public Rental Flats

From 2011 to 2020, HDB added an average of 1,780 new rental units annually, with a net increase of about 1,640 units each year after accounting for clearance.
Approximately 1,600 rental flats are currently under construction and will be completed progressively around 2025.
HDB plans to continue building rental flats in the coming years to gradually renew its rental stock.

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10 May 2021

Plans for Permitting Urban Farms on Top Floor of HDB's Multi-storey Carparks across Singapore

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked about HDB's plans to permit urban farms on top floors of multi-storey carparks, specifically seeking rollout plans and whether estates like Sengkang can voluntarily join.
Desmond Lee responded that SFA and HDB have tendered 16 multi-storey carpark sites for commercial urban farming across two tenders, with the second tender closing in March 2021.
He explained that site selection considers factors like carpark usage, rooftop load capacity, utility availability, and surrounding development plans to ensure safety and minimal disruption to parking needs.
Future plans will depend on evaluating the first two tenders and assessing industry interest before expanding the initiative.

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10 May 2021

Assessment of Structural Integrity of Building at 68-74 Thomson Road

Ms Poh Li San questioned whether a thorough structural assessment could have allowed the building at 68-74 Thomson Road to remain occupied and avoid demolition, and whether the North-South Corridor alignment could be adjusted away from the building.
Minister Ong Ye Kung explained that an initial 2020 impact assessment found the building’s foundation needed strengthening for the NSC tunnel excavation, but later invasive tests revealed concrete strength was insufficient for safe strengthening, leading to the demolition decision, with BCA’s agreement.
The NSC alignment was set in 2011 after extensive study, accounting for dense built-up areas and underground MRT tracks; due to land constraints, the tunnels are vertically stacked under Thomson Road, making it impossible to adjust the alignment to avoid the building.

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10 May 2021

Further Flash Flood Mitigation Measures to Safeguard Flood Prone Locations Like Those Affected by Heavy Downpour on 17 April 2021

The Minister explained that the flash floods on 17 April 2021 occurred at Bukit Timah and Dunearn Roads near Sime Darby Centre and a section of the Park Connector along Ulu Pandan Canal due to record rainfall, with PUB responding and upgrading ongoing at Bukit Timah Canal to reduce flood depth.
The Government has invested $2 billion since 2011 and plans to invest $1.4 billion more over the next five years to improve drainage standards and flood resilience, though expanding drains for every extreme event is not practical due to cost and land constraints.
Cost-effective measures include upgrading rainfall forecasting technology, collaborating with traffic authorities for real-time alerts, and encouraging public subscriptions to weather and water level SMS alerts or the myENV app for early warnings.

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10 May 2021

Dementia-friendly Features for Older Estates and Future HDB Housing Projects

The Ministry for National Development affirmed that HDB estates are designed inclusively for all ages, incorporating Universal Design and barrier-free features to support seniors and other residents.
Existing estates are upgraded with senior-friendly features through programmes like the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, and new developments follow the “Designing for Life” roadmap to support residents’ health across life stages, including those with dementia.
The Nee Soon pilot introduced dementia-friendly features like clear wayfinding markers, large block numbers, and distinct colours, which HDB plans to incorporate into future BTO projects and existing estates through upgrades.
HDB will continue collaborating with experts and agencies to explore and integrate additional dementia-friendly features in both new and existing housing projects.

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10 May 2021

Plans for Keppel Club Site

The Keppel Club site will be redeveloped to include both public and private housing, with a diversity of land uses and spaces open to the public.
The redeveloped site will be connected to green and recreational areas like Labrador Nature Reserve, Berlayer Creek, and Keppel Bay, and will have access to nearby MRT stations.
Agencies will engage Singaporeans and key stakeholders in planning for the Keppel Club site and the Greater Southern Waterfront, with more details to be shared when ready.

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10 May 2021

Conversion of Huge Utility Stations in City Areas to Underground Stations

Abdul Samad asked whether there are plans to convert large urban utility stations like power and telecom facilities underground.
Desmond Lee stated that URA's long-term plan is to locate more utility facilities underground, considering feasibility and cost, especially during upgrades or new constructions.
He cited examples such as the underground Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant freeing up green space and an upcoming underground substation at Labrador set for 2025.
The government will continue exploring underground options to free surface land for essential uses like housing and greenery.

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10 May 2021

Skyrise Greenery as Part of Green Plan 2030

The Singapore Green Plan targets adding 1,000 hectares of green spaces like parks and connectors, which does not include skyrise greenery, while the skyrise greenery footprint is aimed to grow from 133 to 200 hectares by 2030.
The Skyrise Greenery Incentive Scheme has supported 268 building projects with nearly $9 million disbursed to date, helping retrofit buildings with rooftop and vertical gardens.
NParks promotes the scheme through sharing sessions, newsletters, an online portal, training courses, and collaborations with industry associations to encourage more building owners to participate.

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10 May 2021

Allocation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations amongst Suppliers

Abdul Samad asked how EV charging stations will be allocated among suppliers and whether local companies will get a larger share to ensure infrastructure stability and grid reliability.
Ong Ye Kung responded that the government will issue fair and transparent tenders for charging points in public carparks, which will host most of Singapore's stations.
He emphasized that the provision of charging points in any tender will stay within local power capacity, with electrical upgrades handled by the winning tenderer.
LTA has launched a Request-for-Information to gather industry input on structuring private sector participation in the EV charging network.

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10 May 2021

Land Betterment Charge Bill

The Land Betterment Charge (LBC) Bill consolidates three existing land-related charges—Development Charge, Temporary Development Levy, and Differential Premium—into a single tax to be collected by the Singapore Land Authority, simplifying administration for landowners and developers.
The LBC will be charged at 70% of the increase in land value from chargeable consents, with a 100% rate in specific cases such as changes to restrictive covenants, and the rate will be set via regulations and periodically reviewed.
The bill allows for concessionary relief to encourage planning objectives like conservation, sustainable development, and construction productivity, with exemptions and deferments granted at the Minister’s discretion, subject to parliamentary notification.

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10 May 2021

Significant Infrastructure Government Loan Bill

The Government introduced the Significant Infrastructure Government Loan Bill (SINGA) to borrow up to $90 billion over 15 years for nationally significant infrastructure projects costing at least $4 billion, arguing this spreads costs fairly across generations while maintaining fiscal prudence.
The borrowing framework includes safeguards such as a $5 billion annual interest cost cap, rigorous project selection processes, and depreciation over 50–70 years to ensure intergenerational equity and protect Singapore’s AAA credit rating.
Debates highlighted concerns about expanding borrowing to “soft infrastructure” like healthcare or education, with the Government rejecting this as unsustainable, stressing that recurrent spending should be funded by recurrent revenue, not debt.
The Government will issue SGS (Infrastructure) bonds, including green bonds for qualifying projects, to finance infrastructure without affecting existing statutory board borrowings, while maintaining Singapore’s strong net asset position.
Parliamentary exchanges questioned fiscal transparency and expenditure projections, but the Government defended its adherence to international standards and declined to provide detailed long-term forecasts due to unpredictability of crises like COVID-19.

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