Infrastructure & development — Topics

4 Jan 2021

Planning for Childcare Centres within a Constituency and Ensuring Adequacy of Childcare Places

The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) monitors child care demand across Singapore and collaborates with agencies like HDB and URA to integrate preschools into new housing developments and set aside space in private projects.
National infant and child care places have increased by almost 50% since 2015, with a focus on areas like Punggol and Sengkang; ECDA plans to add 20,000 new places by 2023, mainly in upcoming HDB developments.
The Preschool Search Portal (PSP) was launched in 2019 to help parents find centres based on proximity, vacancy, and quality, and ECDA assists families who cannot find placements through this or other channels.

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4 Jan 2021

Provision of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Car Parks of Public and Private Residential Properties

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked if there are plans to mandate EV charging infrastructure in public and private residential car parks.
Ong Ye Kung stated that Singapore currently has about 1,800 EV charging points and aims to increase this to 28,000 by 2030.
The Land Transport Authority is reviewing infrastructure plans to support EV growth, including expanding charging networks in public car parks and adding facilities in private car parks.
Authorities are studying various options, including whether to mandate the installation of charging points in both public and private residential car parks.
The review considers rapid advancements in battery technology and the expected cost parity between EVs and internal combustion engine vehicles.

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4 Jan 2021

Moving Schools in Areas with Low Population Densities to Estates with Higher Densities

The Ministry of Education plans schools based on current and projected population needs, particularly for primary schools, and considers relocating schools from low-density to high-density areas to improve access and geographical spread.
Examples include the planned relocation of Yusof Ishak Secondary from Bukit Batok to Punggol and Angsana Primary from Tampines Avenue 2 to Tampines North, though such moves are carried out sparingly due to potential disruption and costs.
Relocation is evaluated for long-term demand, infrastructure costs, and alternative school options, with MOE continuously monitoring needs to ensure sufficient school places.

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4 Jan 2021

Common Design Standards to Guide All Statutory Boards for Public Housing Construction

Miss Cheryl Chan asked whether there are plans to standardise designs for common parts like concrete panels across statutory boards for public housing.
The Building and Construction Authority encourages standardised designs through the Buildability Framework, requiring projects over 5,000 sqm to meet minimum buildable design scores.
HDB balances standardisation for cost-effectiveness with allowing design variation for unique project identities, standardising components like water tanks and partially standardising walls and slabs.
HDB allows variation in facade precast panels across projects but standardises components within each project to achieve economies of scale.
HDB regularly reviews standardisation and design guidelines to align with industry trends and stakeholder expectations.

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4 Jan 2021

Proposal for Community Gardens to be Built as Standard Communal Facilities in HDB Estates

Hany Soh asked whether community gardens should be a standard feature in HDB BTO developments and Neighbourhood Renewal Programmes to promote community bonding and food security.
Desmond Lee explained that since 2009, HDB has provided spaces like roof gardens in BTO projects, which can be converted into community gardens if residents show interest, and gardens can also be set up on ground levels.
HDB plans to include more community garden spaces in new towns like Tengah, while existing estates can adopt them through Town Council-led Neighbourhood Renewal Programmes after resident consultations.

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4 Jan 2021

Update on Next Phase of Rail Corridor plan

Liang Eng Hwa sought an update on the next phase of the Rail Corridor plan, the completion timeline for the northern stretch, and whether new stretches will have seamless connections to nearby HDB towns like Bukit Panjang.
Desmond Lee stated that the Rail Corridor, spanning 24 km, is being developed as a continuous green corridor to enhance biodiversity and heritage, with works ongoing along the southern and central stretches since 2018.
By 1Q 2021, a continuous trail from Spooner Road to Hillview Road will be available, and the northern stretch is already accessible with improvement works starting early 2021.
The corridor is linked to towns like Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang, and Choa Chu Kang via the Western Adventure Loop, with new access paths planned for easier integration.
More details will be released as the project progresses, ensuring the corridor serves as an inclusive community space for all users.

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4 Jan 2021

Assessment for Forest Areas like Clementi Forest that are Earmarked for Potential Development

Dennis Tan asked if there will be a review of the status of Clementi Forest and other forests earmarked for development.
Desmond Lee stated that Clementi Forest has been zoned for residential use since 1998 but there is no immediate need to develop it, and the government will retain the zoning while balancing development and conservation needs.
He highlighted that Singapore has safeguarded about 7,800 hectares of green spaces and will add 1,000 more hectares over the next 10 to 15 years, while carefully managing environmental impacts where development is unavoidable.
The government will continue to regularly review land-use plans in partnership with the public to support evolving needs, such as housing demand and shifts in work and transport patterns.

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4 Jan 2021

Expenses Incurred to-date by Singapore on High Speed Rail Project

Singapore incurred approximately S$270 million in expenses for the High Speed Rail project, with some costs deemed abortive due to the project's cancellation, and Malaysia has agreed to provide termination compensation as specified in their bilateral agreement, though exact terms remain confidential.
The project was terminated due to Malaysia's proposal to remove the Assets Company (AssetsCo), which Singapore viewed as a fundamental change to the original agreement, and after two extensions at Malaysia's request, both parties agreed not to extend further.
The cancellation does not affect other projects like the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System or the Jurong Regional Centre, and Singapore remains open to future HSR discussions with Malaysia on a clean slate.

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4 Nov 2020

HDB Rooftop Farming in Support of Singapore's "30 by 30" Food Sustainability Goal

Murali Pillai inquired about the number of HDB rooftop farming sites to be established, their expected yield, and whether community engagement will be a tender requirement.
Grace Fu outlined Singapore’s "30 by 30" goal to produce 30% of nutritional needs by 2030, with HDB rooftops among alternative spaces for commercial urban farming.
The first tender for nine Multi-Storey Carpark sites yielded up to 1,600 tonnes of vegetables annually, with a second tender planned and more sites to be identified based on industry interest.
Urban farming on HDB rooftops supports food security, provides community benefits like employment, and encourages public support for local produce due to its freshness and sustainability.
The government calls for public support in purchasing local produce to achieve the "30 by 30" goal and reduce carbon miles.

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3 Nov 2020

Funeral Wakes Held in HDB Void Decks Annually

Between 2010 and 2019, an average of about 8,000 funeral wakes were held annually at HDB void decks and multi-purpose pavilions.
With Singapore's ageing population, resident deaths are projected to rise to around 40,000 by 2040, increasing demand for funeral wake spaces.
The government plans to increase funeral parlour capacity, including redeveloping the Mount Vernon site into a new complex in Bidadari by 2025 and developing four more parlour sites over the next decade.
Agencies will continue monitoring long-term demand for funeral spaces to ensure facilities are ready ahead of need.

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3 Nov 2020

Monitoring Number and Severity of BTO Flat Defects Associated with Particular Contractors

Leon Perera asked whether HDB monitors and accounts for the number and severity of BTO flat defects tied to specific contractors, including during and after the one-year defects liability period, and how such data influences future contract awards.
HDB tracks contractor performance through the Contractors Performance Assessment (CPA) framework, which includes assessments every six months based on construction progress, work quality, and site safety, with defect incidence impacting scores.
Contractors with poor CPA scores, including those linked to high defect rates, may face reduced opportunities to secure future HDB projects, as CPA scores are factored into the Price Quality Method used for tender evaluations.
Most defects are reported during the defects liability period and incorporated into CPA scores; issues reported afterward are investigated, and if due to inherent defects, HDB requires the original contractor to rectify them.

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2 Nov 2020

Extension of Rainwater Harvesting Systems under HDB Greenprints @ Yuhua Programme to Mature Housing Estates to Minimise Potable Water Usage for Common Area Washing and Watering of Plants

Murali Pillai proposed extending rainwater harvesting systems from the HDB Greenprint @ Yuhua pilot to mature estates to cut potable water use for common areas and plant watering.
Desmond Lee noted the initial pilot was not cost-effective due to separate tanks and treatment systems, but HDB has since developed a more integrated Urban Water Harvesting System (UWHS) that lowers costs and also helps mitigate flooding.
The UWHS is now included in all suitable BTO projects from August 2018, and HDB will pilot it in some existing estates under the Green Towns Programme, with wider rollout if successful.
HDB is working with PUB to identify pilot sites based on cost-effectiveness and technical feasibility, and will continue exploring new water-saving solutions.

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2 Nov 2020

Prioritisation Criteria for Electrical Load Upgrading Programme for Neighbourhoods and Blocks

Sharael Taha asked how the Electrical Load Upgrading Programme (ELUP) for HDB blocks is prioritised and when all upgrades from 30-amp to 40-amp switches will be completed.
HDB prioritises ELUP for blocks selected under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) to reduce inconvenience, and groups nearby blocks to optimise electrical substations.
ELUP upgrades about 1,500 older HDB blocks, with works carried out in phases and an estimated completion timeframe of about 10 years.

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2 Nov 2020

Plans to Build More Sheltered Walkways Beyond Current Parameters Set by LTA's Walk2Ride Programme to Encourage More Residents to Walk or Cycle

Murali Pillai asked if there are plans to extend sheltered walkways beyond the current LTA Walk2Ride programme parameters of 400 metres from MRT stations and trip generation hubs or 200 metres from transport nodes and education facilities to encourage walking and cycling.
Ong Ye Kung explained that LTA's covered linkway programme prioritizes connecting large numbers of commuters to major public transport nodes like MRT/LRT stations and bus interchanges.
The focus is on building covered linkways near these transport nodes to ensure prudent use of public funds and benefit more commuters.

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2 Nov 2020

Expected Timeline for Completion of Conversion of All Street Lights to LED Lighting

Leon Perera inquired about the timeline for completing the conversion of all street lights to LED lighting, citing disruptions from COVID-19.
Ong Ye Kung responded that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has converted 43% of public street lights to LED lighting so far.
The LTA expects to finish the island-wide conversion by the end of 2022.

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2 Nov 2020

Plans to Regulate and Assess Design and Construction Carbon Footprint of New Buildings

The Minister confirmed that new buildings and major retrofits must meet minimum environmental sustainability standards under existing Building Control Regulations, covering planning, design, construction, and operation to reduce carbon footprint.
The BCA Green Mark scheme recognises projects exceeding mandatory requirements, assessing resource efficiency, use of recycled materials and low-carbon concrete, and embodied carbon calculations, with 99% of construction waste currently recycled.
BCA is developing the next Singapore Green Building Masterplan to further raise sustainability standards and reduce building carbon emissions, targeting a launch next year.

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15 Oct 2020

Impact of Fall in Government Revenue on Decisions on Infrastructure Projects and Borrowings

Murali Pillai asked whether the expected fall in government revenue due to economic contraction will lead to delays or cancellations of committed major infrastructure projects, and if so, for details.
He also inquired if the government anticipates increased borrowings or bond issuances to fund these infrastructure investments.
The Second Minister for Finance requested to address the question in the Deputy Prime Minister's round-up speech, which was approved by the Speaker.

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14 Oct 2020

Ratio of Total Number of Dwelling Units to Pavilions and Total Number of Void Decks to Blocks in Current and New HDB Developments

Desmond Lee explained that newer HDB blocks are taller and more compact, resulting in smaller void decks compared to older designs, but this is offset by purpose-built facilities like precinct pavilions, landscaped carpark roofs, high-rise gardens, and Community Living Rooms.
Since the 1990s, new HDB developments have included precinct pavilions to support community functions, with HDB regularly reviewing norms to ensure adequate numbers relative to blocks and dwelling units.
HDB optimises smaller void decks by introducing Community Living Rooms, pushing columns to edges for more space, and integrating larger communal facilities into carparks or standalone buildings instead of void decks.
The design evolution reflects a shift from relying on void decks for community spaces to a diversified approach with various facilities, supported by resident satisfaction surveys and ongoing reviews.

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14 Oct 2020

Update on Plan to Provide 28,000 Electric Vehicle Charging Points by 2030

The government plans to increase electric vehicle charging points from 1,700 to 28,000 by 2030 to support phasing out combustion engine vehicles by 2040.
About two-thirds of the charging points will be in HDB estates, with studies showing 400 of 1,200 carparks can immediately support overnight charging while others need upgrades.
The remaining points will be in government-owned locations like offices or roadside carparks, excluding private installations, which could lead to a ratio of eight EVs per charging point by 2030.
Agencies are reviewing the plan to incorporate commercial efforts and improve the EV-to-charging-point ratio, with details to be announced later.

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14 Oct 2020

Determination of Maximum Permissible Noise Levels for Construction Work

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, through the National Environment Agency (NEA), sets construction noise limits based on WHO guidelines, tailored locally with stricter limits at night, Sundays, and public holidays, and requires noise monitoring, especially for larger projects.
NEA regularly reviews noise limits and penalties, having tightened controls in 2011 and reviewed penalties in 2014, with ongoing stakeholder consultations to address factors like post-COVID work-from-home trends and HDB estate density.
The Minister emphasized balancing public health protection with construction industry costs and timelines, noting a decline in noise complaints and enforcement actions, and committed to reviewing economic levers and penalties for repeat offenders.

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