Infrastructure & development — Topics

1 Mar 2021

Moving Work Site A1W1 for Cross Island Line Further into Singapore Island Country Club

The Ministry for Transport, through the Land Transport Authority (LTA), has engaged nature groups and an engineering consultant to reduce the impact of the Cross Island Line's worksite A1W1 on the Raffles Banded Langurs.
The worksite has been optimised, cutting its footprint by over half and moving it about 150 metres from the langurs' habitat—much farther than the original 30 metres—with agreement from the Singapore Island Country Club.
LTA will continue collaborating with nature groups to mitigate environmental impacts during construction, aiming to balance wildlife preservation with Singapore's transport infrastructure needs.

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26 Feb 2021

Environmental Impact Assessments for Industrial Developments

The Minister for National Development explained that Singapore's planning process requires environmental screenings for all developments, with more detailed studies like Environmental Baseline or Impact Assessments mandated for projects near sensitive ecological areas, and that works cannot proceed without agency approvals.
In response to the Kranji site clearance incident, the Minister confirmed that investigations are ongoing for potential breaches of the Parks and Trees and Wildlife Acts, penalties exist for violations, and a review will strengthen environmental processes, including making environmental study reports publicly available.
During supplementary questions, members raised issues such as the frequency of site visits, the adequacy of a contractor's "stern warning," and the possibility of codifying environmental assessments into law, with ministers affirming ongoing reviews and enhancements to the current framework rather than immediate legislative codification.

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26 Feb 2021

Environmental Impact Study for Sungei Kadut Eco-district

Minister Chan Chun Sing explained that an Environmental Impact Assessment was not required for the initial development of the Sungei Kadut Eco-district site because it was former scrubland with non-native trees and not near sensitive nature areas, but NParks later mandated a fauna baseline study and environmental monitoring due to potential drainage impacts.
JTC’s contractor undertook unauthorized land clearing of 4.5 hectares in late 2020, which was discovered in January 2021, leading to an immediate suspension of all clearance works and ongoing investigations by JTC and NParks into the breach.
The Ministry will engage stakeholders and make study findings public, while also reviewing project supervision processes across agencies to prevent recurrence and sharing lessons learned after investigations conclude.

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25 Feb 2021

Average Cost and Duration of Constructing Lifts at Pedestrian Overhead Bridges.

The average cost of constructing a pair of lifts at a pedestrian overhead bridge is between $2 million and $3 million, including extensive civil works, site investigations, and design.
The typical construction duration for a pair of lifts ranges from 14 to 22 months, depending on site conditions.
Additional time may be required if utility services need to be diverted to accommodate the lifts.

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25 Feb 2021

Average Cost and Construction Duration of Building Sheltered Walkways and LTA's Criteria in Deciding Their Feasibility

The construction cost for standard covered linkways ranges from $200,000 to $300,000 per 100 metres, while high covered linkways for heavy vehicles cost about $600,000 per 100 metres.
Building a typical 400-metre covered linkway generally takes around nine months, though the duration can vary based on site conditions.
LTA evaluates the feasibility of sheltered walkways based on usage patterns, site constraints, and safety requirements, prioritising projects that connect large numbers of commuters to major public transport nodes.

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25 Feb 2021

Multi-storey Carparks in Fernvale for Urban Farming by Residents

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether the Ministry would consider allowing some multi-storey car parks in Fernvale to be used for urban farming by residents.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that rooftop urban farms on HDB Multi-Storey Carparks support the “30 by 30” goal and that commercial tenders have been awarded, with a second tender launched.
She noted that site selection considers factors like MSCP utilisation, structural safety, infrastructure, and surrounding developments to ensure resident needs are not compromised.
For recreational farming, residents can engage in home gardening, rent allotment plots, or join community gardens, with NParks working to expand such initiatives.
Agencies will assess Fernvale MSCPs among other sites for future urban farming opportunities.

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25 Feb 2021

Heritage Impact Assessment for Proposed Redevelopment or Change to Land Use

Leon Perera proposed a mandatory heritage impact assessment for sites deemed significant by the public or not-for-profit groups, even if not formally conserved, and asked how URA and other boards integrate heritage considerations beyond URA's Conservation Department.
Desmond Lee affirmed the value of built heritage for identity and history, noting that Singapore balances heritage preservation with development needs through a systematic, consultative planning framework.
He explained that all development proposals are evaluated for heritage impact, with URA collaborating with NHB, expert panels, and stakeholders to incorporate heritage considerations upstream in land use planning.
He highlighted ongoing efforts, such as NHB's heritage surveys, URA's research on areas of heritage interest, and engagement with the Heritage and Identity Partnership and the public to guide long-term planning and specific site developments.
Lee emphasized partnerships with stakeholders to protect heritage while developing the city, citing examples like the Bukit Timah Fire Station and Pasir Panjang Power District, and noted upcoming public feedback on long-term plans.

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24 Feb 2021

Requirement for Developers to Spell Out Availability of Additional Car Parking on Roads Connecting Inter-terrace Houses in Estate to Allow Buyers to Make Informed Decisions

Ms Ng Ling Ling asked if developers must disclose whether roads between inter-terrace houses allow extra car parking to help buyers decide and prevent future complaints.
The Minister replied that housing developers already provide key project details under rules, including plans and any authority-imposed conditions, for buyer awareness.
He added that while authorities assess on-street parking on connecting roads, information may not be ready at sale, but buyers can request it from developers.

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24 Feb 2021

Development of Unused Land in Choa Chu Kang

Don Wee asked if the Ministry plans to develop unused land at three junctions in Choa Chu Kang and sought details on the plans and timeline.
Desmond Lee stated that two parcels are zoned for education and will be used for a primary and secondary school, while the third is zoned for future housing and community uses.
The minister clarified that there are no immediate development plans for any of the parcels, and further details will be released once plans are finalized.

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24 Feb 2021

Update on Extending Natural Gas Pipes Islandwide to Industrial Estates

The natural gas pipeline network in Singapore has expanded by approximately 150 kilometers over the past decade, building on 245 kilometers built between 2001 and 2011, to meet growing demand from power plants and industry.
Expansion to remaining industrial estates is not currently justified due to insufficient natural gas demand, with decisions depending on sustained demand growth, viability of alternative cleaner solutions, and financial considerations.
Companies can reduce carbon emissions by switching to natural gas, electrification, using renewable energy like solar, or implementing energy efficiency measures, supported by various grant schemes.

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24 Feb 2021

Changes in Planning Parameters for Land Use for Residential, Leisure, Community and Transport Infrastructures

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked if there are changes to planning parameters for land use in new towns covering residential, leisure, community, and transport infrastructures.
Desmond Lee confirmed that HDB collaborates with various agencies to ensure facilities are accessible and that plans are regularly reviewed to address evolving needs such as ageing, remote work, and digital lifestyles.
He noted that COVID-19 accelerated trends like remote work and online shopping, prompting planners to study how these changes affect neighbourhood design and space usage.
URA, HDB, and relevant agencies will continue monitoring trends to ensure facilities remain adequate and well-placed for population needs and changing lifestyles.

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24 Feb 2021

Revamp of Bus Routes Given Staged Opening of Thomson-East Coast Line

The Senior Minister of State for Transport highlighted that as the MRT network expands, bus services with low ridership, especially those parallel to rail lines, will be reviewed and adjusted to maintain financial prudence and avoid escalating subsidies, which currently amount to about $1 billion annually for buses.
In 2019, only 11 out of 356 bus services covered their operating costs through fares, while in 2020, just two feeder services did so, with the shortfall made up by government subsidies to ensure connectivity, particularly for new housing estates.
The government emphasized the need to balance service quality, fare affordability, and financial sustainability by reallocating resources from underused routes to meet new demand, such as for upcoming HDB developments, without increasing the overall fiscal burden.

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16 Feb 2021

Redevelopment Plans for Cemetery Areas around Bukit Brown in Next 10 to 15 Years

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16 Feb 2021

Definition of Green Space and Current Public Green Space in Square Metres per 1,000 People, Excluding Golf Courses

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16 Feb 2021

Building Another Primary School in Brickland Constituency

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16 Feb 2021

Additional Primary and Secondary School in Fernvale Constituency

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2 Feb 2021

Environmental Baseline Study for Evaluating Different Development Options for Clementi Forest

Dennis Tan asked the Minister for National Development whether an Environmental Baseline Study can be considered for evaluating different development options for Clementi Forest, such as a nature park, leaving it untouched, or a residential development, and if the results can be made publicly available.
The Minister acknowledged the constraints of Singapore's limited land and the need to balance development with conservation, explaining the government's long-term land use planning, which includes redeveloping brownfield sites, land reclamation, and safeguarding green spaces under the Nature Conservation Masterplan.
For Clementi Forest, the site has been zoned for residential use since 1998, and the government will retain this zoning to allow future generations the option to decide between housing or a review of its land use.
The government commits to science-based environmental studies and public consultation for development near ecologically significant sites, as demonstrated by the ongoing process for the Ulu Pandan site, where an Environmental Baseline Study was conducted and public feedback is being considered.
The Minister emphasized the evolving public dialogue on balancing environmental conservation and development, inviting Singaporeans to participate in future conversations on land use and sustainability.

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2 Feb 2021

Land Cost in FY2019/2020 and Breakdown of Payment to SLA, Government Organisations and Private Entities.

Hazel Poa asked the Minister for National Development for the amount HDB paid for land cost in FY2019/2020 and a breakdown of payments to SLA, other government organisations, and private entities.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB only purchases land from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) for public housing developments.
In FY2019/2020, HDB paid SLA approximately $3.2 billion for State Land, as detailed in HDB’s annual financial statements available on its website.
No payments were made to other government organisations or private entities for land in that fiscal year.
The response clarifies that all land costs for HDB public housing are directed solely to SLA.

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2 Feb 2021

Update on Remaining Number of HDB Blocks that Not Eligible for Lift Upgrading Programme

HDB has upgraded over 5,000 blocks under the Lift Upgrading Programme, with about 150 blocks currently not feasible due to cost, technical, or site constraints, but HDB continues to explore solutions.
Residents in urgent need of lift access due to medical or mobility reasons can receive up to $30,000 under the Lift Access Housing Grant to buy a flat with direct lift access, with a 6-month grace period to sell their existing flat.
Flat owners facing difficulties selling their old flat may request a case-by-case extension from HDB and can seek further assistance from their HDB Branch office.

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2 Feb 2021

Heat-reduction Retrofits in HDB Upgrading and Estate Renewal Programmes

Leon Perera questioned the Ministry for National Development on how HDB Upgrading and Estate Renewal Programmes incorporate heat-reduction retrofits like solar panels, green roofs, and cool paints, with focus on low-income areas.
Desmond Lee outlined HDB’s Green Towns Programme, which includes piloting cool coatings on building facades and driveways with Town Councils, with potential island-wide expansion if effective.
HDB has increased its solar target to install 540 MWp on 70% of HDB blocks by 2030, which may reduce heat by shading roofs from direct sunlight.
The plan also involves adding urban farms, greenery, and community gardens to Multi-Storey Car Park rooftops to help lower ambient temperatures in estates.

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