Infrastructure & development — Topics

10 May 2021

Significant Infrastructure Government Loan Bill

The debate centered on the Significant Infrastructure Government Loan Bill, with concerns about borrowing costs and the risk of interest rates rising amid economic recovery or inflation, but confidence in the bill given current low rates and safeguards in place.
Speakers highlighted that the differential between interest rates and GDP growth (r minus g) is crucial, arguing that borrowing for productivity-boosting infrastructure can improve debt dynamics and even lower debt-to-GDP ratios in the long term, while noting refinancing risks.
The bill enables capitalization of expenditures, freeing up recurrent budget for areas like welfare, healthcare, and education, with an emphasis on fiscal prudence, responsibility, and fairness in managing national infrastructure investments.

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10 May 2021

Significant Infrastructure Government Loan Bill

The government proposes the Significant Infrastructure Government Loan Act (SINGA) to borrow up to $90 billion for major, long-term infrastructure projects like new MRT lines and coastal protection, spreading costs across generations to ensure intergenerational equity and fiscal efficiency.
Strict safeguards are included, such as a $4 billion minimum project cost, a 50-year useful life requirement, and an annual interest cap of $5 billion, to ensure borrowing is prudent and focused on nationally significant assets.
Most members support the bill as a necessary response to upcoming infrastructure needs and low interest rates, though some seek clarifications on interest thresholds, project selection, and potential impacts on future generations.

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10 May 2021

Engineering Measures to Reduce Flash Floods at Bukit Timah Canal and Ulu Pandan Canal Areas

On 17 April 2021, intense rainfall from a Sumatra squall and typhoon influence caused flash floods at Bukit Timah-Dunearn Roads and Ulu Pandan Canal park connectors, with water depths of up to 150mm but roads remained passable and floods subsided quickly.
The upgraded Bukit Timah First Diversion Canal was only 50% full during the event, showing its effectiveness, while ongoing works on the remaining section (to be completed by 2024) will lower water levels by over one meter for similar rainfall.
Future measures include raising a low-lying park connector section along Ulu Pandan Canal during reconstruction and investing $1.4 billion over five years to enhance flood resilience, alongside improved forecasting and public alerts via technology and apps.

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5 Apr 2021

Use of Carbon Footprint of Building Materials for Public Housing Projects

Contractors bid for HDB projects based on designs and specifications that consider life-cycle costs, sustainability, and maintainability, but the carbon footprint of building materials is not a direct factor in tender evaluation.
HDB requires all new public housing developments to achieve BCA Green Mark Gold certification or higher, with new towns aiming for GoldPlus, which encourages sustainable materials and mandates embodied carbon calculations for concrete, glass, and steel.
HDB is studying alternative building materials through its Cities of Tomorrow R&D programme to reduce carbon footprint, with adoption dependent on balancing research outcomes with availability, cost, quality, and performance.

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5 Apr 2021

Limits in Place for Construction of Building Structures on Land Designated as National Park

Gerald Giam asked about limits on building structures in national parks, why Bedok Reservoir Park and Coney Island Park were chosen for specific projects, and whether such facilities could be built outside parks to preserve greenery.
Desmond Lee explained that compatible facilities are placed in or near parks to enhance visitor amenities while minimizing environmental impact through design integration and careful site selection.
The HomeTeamNS Bedok Clubhouse was chosen to provide more amenities for park visitors and waterfront access, with its design intended to blend into the park environment.
The Outward Bound Singapore campus at Coney Island was selected for its accessibility and suitability for outdoor programs, with efforts to enhance greenery during construction.

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5 Apr 2021

Number of Commercial and Residential Buildings Currently Powered by Solar Panels and Their Average Power Capacity

Abdul Samad asked the Minister for National Development about the number of commercial and residential buildings currently powered by solar panels and their average power capacity.
As of 4Q 2020, around 2,500 commercial and residential buildings have solar panels installed.
The installed power capacity of solar panels on these buildings varies due to factors like rooftop space availability and suitability.

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5 Apr 2021

Covered Linkways Connecting to Condominiums Built under Walk2Ride Programme

Yip Hon Weng asked about the number of requests for covered linkways from condominiums to transport nodes under the Walk2Ride programme over the past three years, whether exemptions were granted for incomplete internal sheltered routes, and if LTA would consider removing this requirement.
Ong Ye Kung stated that LTA received 53 requests in the last three years, approving 15, and emphasized that internal sheltered routes from residential blocks to gates are mandatory to ensure effective use of public funds.
LTA does not plan to waive the requirement for fully sheltered internal routes, as this ensures continuous sheltered access and justifies public expenditure.

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5 Apr 2021

Wheelchair-bound HDB Residents Living on Floors Without Lift Access

Hazel Poa inquired about the number of wheelchair-bound HDB residents living without lift access and the annual complaints received over the past three years.
Desmond Lee outlined ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, including retrofitting HDB blocks, the Lift Upgrading Programme, and the Lift Access Housing Grant, noting that about 150 blocks still lack direct lift access due to cost or technical constraints.
The government has introduced initiatives like the Enhanced EASE programme and wheelchair lifter pilots, with over 1,900 ramps installed and 10 lifters deployed as of February 2021.
HDB does not track the exact number of wheelchair-bound residents but handles every request for mobility assistance and received 27 feedback cases on accessibility issues in the past year.
Ongoing programmes such as the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme aim to further improve estates, with recognition that more can be done to assist less mobile residents.

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5 Apr 2021

Supply Chain Audit to Evaluate Environmental Impact of Any Upcoming Land Reclamation Projects

He Ting Ru asked whether the government would conduct a full supply chain audit for the environmental impact of upcoming land reclamation projects and make the environmental impact assessment public.
Desmond Lee stated that all land reclamation projects already undergo environmental studies with agencies like NParks and NEA, with reports made publicly available unless there are security considerations.
He added that imported reclamation sand is subject to commercial procurement with suppliers required to comply with local and source country laws, including providing export licenses and permits.

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5 Apr 2021

Managing Construction of Backlog of BTO Flats Caused by COVID-19 Pandemic Measures

The Minister for National Development acknowledged that all 89 ongoing HDB BTO projects resumed after the Circuit Breaker but most are delayed by six to nine months due to safe management measures, supply chain issues, and manpower shortages.
HDB is monitoring progress, working with contractors on revised timelines, and seeking exemptions for extended construction hours on Sundays and public holidays to mitigate delays.
Affected flat buyers are being updated on new completion dates, and households unable to secure interim housing may contact HDB for assistance, with about 240 households receiving Interim Rental Housing support as of February 2021.

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5 Apr 2021

Significant Infrastructure Government Loan Bill

The bill authorises the Government to raise loans via the Development Fund to finance nationally significant infrastructure projects.
It amends the Development Fund Act and Financial Procedure Act to capitalise related infrastructure expenditure.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance presented the bill, which was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading.
The bill also repeals and makes consequential amendments to other related Acts.
The President's recommendation for the bill was signified before its presentation to Parliament.

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4 Mar 2021

Increase in Executive Condominiums to Meet Demand of HDB Upgraders

Gan Thiam Poh questioned the need to increase executive condominiums (ECs) to meet HDB upgraders' demand.
Desmond Lee explained that URA and HDB collaborate on housing supply planning, including ECs, to ensure a balanced mix of public and private housing.
The government considers unsold stock, take-up rates, and market conditions when planning EC land supply and will adjust future GLS programmes as needed.

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4 Mar 2021

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

Parliament debated how to keep HDB estates liveable and inclusive, with MPs proposing more community spaces, better support for vulnerable groups, and greater resident involvement in upgrading plans, while the Ministry outlined plans to transform the built environment sector and introduce new housing models for prime locations.
Concerns were raised about ageing flat maintenance, rental housing shortages, and the impact of the Ethnic Integration Policy, with the Ministry responding by highlighting initiatives like the Home Improvement Programme, increased rental options, and targeted support for lower-income households.
The discussion also covered transforming the construction industry through technology and green standards, while ensuring public housing remains affordable, with the Ministry emphasising that flat pricing is based on affordability rather than cost.

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4 Mar 2021

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

The debate centered on the Singapore Green Plan 2030, with ministers outlining a whole-of-nation strategy across five pillars: City in Nature, Sustainable Living, Energy Reset, Green Economy, and a Resilient Future, aiming for net-zero emissions as soon as viable.
MPs raised concerns about climate adaptation, particularly coastal protection and inland flooding, with the government detailing plans for site-specific studies, new drainage projects, and a $5 billion Coastal and Flood Protection Fund.
Discussions covered waste management and hawker culture sustainability, including the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility for e-waste, food waste segregation requirements, and support for a new generation of hawkers through development and succession schemes.

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3 Mar 2021

Installation of traffic Lights or Lifts to Pedestrian Overhead Bridges in Sengkang West

Gan Thiam Poh asked about installing traffic lights or lifts at pedestrian overhead bridges in Sengkang West to improve safety and convenience for seniors and young families.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the area already has 10 traffic light crossings and six pedestrian overhead bridges, with barrier-free access at most crossings and one bridge.
He explained that residents needing barrier-free options typically have reasonable access to such facilities within walking distance.
The government will prioritize lifts at bridges benefiting large numbers of seniors and commuters with mobility challenges, especially near transport hubs and healthcare institutions.
The response emphasized a targeted approach rather than blanket installation, focusing on locations with fewer alternatives and higher demand.

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3 Mar 2021

Proposal to Increase BTO Flats in New Towns in North East

Gan Thiam Poh asked if HDB could increase BTO flats in new towns in the north east for a better islandwide mix across exercises.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB launches BTO sites across Singapore each year, with flat numbers in any location depending on site readiness and infrastructure capacity.
He noted that over 8,000 BTO units have been launched in the north east region since 2018, with another 1,300 to be launched in Hougang in August 2021.

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3 Mar 2021

Increase in Issuance of Heavy Vehicle Season Parking Tickets

Edward Chia asked if there are plans to increase URA season parking tickets for heavy vehicles, especially in high-demand towns where new applicants face waitlists.
Desmond Lee stated that all heavy vehicles must have designated overnight parking before registration, with more parking lots (41,200) than heavy vehicles (32,800).
Residents have raised noise and safety concerns about heavy vehicle parking near homes, and land is prioritized for housing and community needs.
The government is increasing heavy vehicle parking lots in industrial areas, not residential estates, and advises those on waitlists to use current lots or explore alternatives via OneMotoring.

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3 Mar 2021

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

MPs urged the government to set more ambitious climate goals, including a net-zero by 2050 pledge, and questioned the trade-offs and economic impacts of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, such as land use for solar energy and the carbon tax's effect on competitiveness.
Multiple speakers raised concerns about the energy grid's readiness for electric vehicle (EV) adoption, the need for more charging infrastructure, and the challenges of making EVs affordable and practical for consumers and fleets.
The debate emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach, calling for stronger public-private-people partnerships, better environmental education in schools, and more ground-up initiatives to support the green transition.

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1 Mar 2021

Conservation and Redevelopment Plans for Jalan Kubor Cemetery Area

The Jalan Kubor Cemetery area is zoned "Residential" under the 1998 Master Plan to meet future housing needs, but specific redevelopment plans and timelines are yet to be finalized and will depend on future detailed studies.
The National Heritage Board completed a 2014 study documenting the cemetery's history and personalities buried there, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority will collaborate with NHB and expert panels to consider the site's heritage aspects in future planning.
There is no immediate commitment to conserve the area as part of the Kampong Glam conservation zone, as redevelopment is subject to ongoing assessments and detailed studies.

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1 Mar 2021

Prioritisation Criteria for Planned Lift Installation for Pedestrian Overhead Bridges Across Different Towns in Singapore

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport about the distribution of planned lift installations for pedestrian overhead bridges across different towns and whether prioritisation criteria should consider the relative proportion of seniors in a town, not just absolute numbers, to avoid disadvantaging elderly in younger towns.
He also specifically queried whether the overhead bridge near Block 327A Anchorvale Road could be retrofitted with a lift to benefit seniors and if it would be prioritised in future retrofitting within Anchorvale.
Ong Ye Kung responded that prioritisation is guided by the number of seniors and commuters with mobility challenges who will benefit, and how well the bridge connects them to public transport and healthcare, rather than the proportion of seniors in a town.
He noted that lifts have been provided at bridges near Sengkang General and Community Hospital to serve seniors and patients, and the bridge at Block 333D is being fitted with lifts, with LTA periodically reviewing its programme.

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