Infrastructure & development — Topics

14 Oct 2020

Policy Considerations for Long-term Population Growth

The government has no fixed population target and clarified that Singapore’s population is likely to stay below 6.9 million by 2030, with policy adjustments based on birth rates, life expectancy, and global immigration trends.
Infrastructure planning considers multiple factors beyond demographics, including economic growth, housing, transport, and climate resilience, and is designed to remain flexible to meet changing needs.
To address an ageing population and low birth rates, Singapore uses selective immigration and permanent residency, while also implementing national savings schemes and diversified taxes to manage future fiscal pressures.
The government emphasized a holistic approach to citizenship grants, prioritizing family ties and contributions, and aims to support Singaporean children even if one parent is not a citizen.

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6 Oct 2020

Engineering Solutions to Improve Lift Access to Affected Units in Keat Hong

HDB is continuing to explore engineering solutions for blocks like those in Keat Hong that remain without direct lift access due to technical or cost constraints, while cost and technical feasibility remain key criteria for the Lift Upgrading Programme.
The government has introduced the Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 to assist residents with medical or mobility issues in moving to flats with direct lift access.
The inability to provide lift access is not a factor considered for the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme, which instead evaluates redevelopment potential, availability of replacement sites, and financial resources.

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6 Oct 2020

Barrier-free Covered Linkways to Ensure First and Last Mile Connectivity to Commmunity Clubs and Centres

Hany Soh asked if more barrier-free covered linkways will be built to ensure first and last mile connectivity from transportation nodes to all community clubs and centres in Singapore.
Ong Ye Kung explained that LTA builds such linkways for community clubs within 400 metres of MRT stations or 200 metres of LRT stations and bus interchanges, subject to site constraints and the club’s own covered linkways.
He added that LTA considers existing alternative sheltered paths to avoid duplication and allocate budget efficiently.

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6 Oct 2020

Timeline for Noise Barriers Along Bukit Batok MRT Station to be Erected

Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Transport about the timeline for erecting noise barriers along the MRT track at Bukit Batok MRT station.
Ong Ye Kung responded that the installation of noise barriers on the Bukit Batok MRT viaduct is on track to be completed by the second quarter of 2021.
He emphasized that the Land Transport Authority remains committed to mitigating the impact of noise for residents living nearby.

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6 Oct 2020

Additional Primary School within New Brickland Constituency in View of Oversubscription during Primary 1 Admission Exercise

Don Wee highlighted oversubscription at South View, Chua Chu Kang, and Unity Primary Schools during Phase 2C and requested an additional primary school in the Brickland constituency to meet demand from young families.
Lawrence Wong explained that MOE plans schools based on localized demand and housing developments, noting that 14 schools serve the Brickland area and many had remaining vacancies after Phase 2C, with nearby schools like Teck Whye and Unity still having places available.
MOE has no plans to build a new primary school in Brickland as existing schools have sufficient capacity, but will continue monitoring demand and adjust intakes as needed.

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6 Oct 2020

Final Cost of Revamp of National Archives Building and Amount of Budget Overrun

The revamp of the National Archives building had an original budget of $37 million, with the restoration and construction works originally projected at $20.53 million but finalised at $22.25 million due to unanticipated structural and site issues.
Despite the $1.72 million increase in construction costs, the overall project was completed within the $37 million budget without requiring additional funding.
The National Library Board has addressed the lapses highlighted by the Auditor-General for FY2019/20 by conducting an internal review and tightening procurement and contract management processes.

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6 Oct 2020

Proposal for Sheltered Walkway on Singapore Side of Johor-Woodlands Causeway

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Transport about Singapore's plans to build a sheltered walkway on the Singapore side of the Causeway, following Malaysia's announcement to build one on its side.
The Minister for Transport, Ong Ye Kung, responded that there is an existing pedestrian walkway on Singapore's side, which is currently sufficient to meet the needs of travellers.
The debate centered on whether additional sheltered infrastructure is needed given Malaysia's proposed project.
No further commitments or plans for a new sheltered walkway in Singapore were indicated in the response.
The exchange highlighted differing perspectives on cross-border infrastructure adequacy.

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6 Oct 2020

Take-up Rate of Lift Access Housing Grant

The Lift Upgrading Programme has enabled direct lift access for most of the original 5,300 HDB blocks, with about 150 blocks still facing technical or cost constraints.
The Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 was introduced in March to assist residents with medical or mobility issues in purchasing a new or resale flat with direct lift access.
As of August 2020, HDB received 17 applications for the grant, approved seven, and is assessing the remaining 10.
There are currently no plans to expand the scheme, but the government will monitor take-up rates and review if enhancements are needed.

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6 Oct 2020

Second Environmental Impact Assessment on Bukit Batok Hillside Park Development Project

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked whether a second environmental impact assessment would be conducted for the Bukit Batok Hillside Park Development Project to address feedback from environmental groups.
Desmond Lee stated that an initial assessment was done with input from nature groups, leading to recommendations like retaining a natural stream and its catchment area, which HDB will incorporate into the future park development.
The area has been rezoned from Residential to Park use in the Master Plan, and significant plant species and mature trees will be retained in the residential development.
Instead of a second assessment, feedback from the public and nature groups will be incorporated into the finalised report, which will be published on HDB’s website to guide the site's development.

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6 Oct 2020

Incentivising Public Transport Operators to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Leon Perera asked if the Ministry's contracts with public transport operators include sustainability clauses to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the Government owns public transport infrastructure and assets, enabling it to advance sustainability goals directly.
LTA is purchasing cleaner energy vehicles, with trials of hybrid and electric buses, aiming for a 100% cleaner energy bus fleet by 2040.
New rail stations since 2014 are designed to minimize emissions, and operators comply with energy efficiency laws.
The government aims to increase the Walk-Cycle-Ride mode share from 72% in 2019 to 90% by 2040 to promote carbon-efficient commuting.

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6 Oct 2020

Number of Infant and Childcare Places and Number of Citizens Born in Last Five Years

Ms He Ting Ru requested data on current infant and childcare places by URA planning areas and Singaporean citizen births over the last five years, also broken down by planning areas.
The minister responded that national childcare and infant care places have risen by nearly 50% since 2015 to 180,000, with significant increases in newer areas like Punggol and Sengkang, and that annual citizen births average 33,000, which existing capacity can accommodate.
Despite overall ample supply, some areas face waitlists due to location preferences and space constraints, and the government plans to add 20,000 new preschool places by 2023, focusing on regions with upcoming housing developments.

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6 Oct 2020

Help for Contractors Faced With Dormitory Constraints or Higher Temporary Living Quarter Costs

Miss Cheryl Chan asked the Minister for Manpower about support for contractors facing dormitory shortages and doubled costs for foreign worker housing.
The government moved workers to temporary sites, increased construction of temporary quarters, and reduced dormitory occupancy by 30% to lower COVID-19 risks.
New quick-built and contractor-built dormitories will add 60,000 beds to stabilize rental prices, which have remained stable overall despite some higher asking rents.

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5 Oct 2020

Number of Pedestrian Overhead Bridges with Lifts Installed and Plans to Install More Lifts at Mature Estates

There are about 580 pedestrian overhead bridges in Singapore, with 71 equipped with ramps and 48 with lifts for barrier-free access.
Plans are in place to install lifts at approximately 50 more pedestrian overhead bridges, prioritizing locations that benefit many seniors and commuters with mobility challenges.
Priority will be given to bridges near public transport nodes and healthcare institutions where no other barrier-free crossings are nearby, including mature estates like Woodgrove.

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5 Oct 2020

Feasibility of Incorporating Low-noise Pavement Mix for Sections of Expressways Close to Residential Blocks and Measures Implemented to Mitigate Impact of Traffic Noise

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the feasibility of using low-noise pavement mix on expressways near residential areas, specifically along the Tampines Expressway between Sengkang and Punggol, and about implementation preconditions and other noise mitigation measures.
Ong Ye Kung stated that LTA has already planted dense vegetation along the Tampines Expressway with NParks to absorb noise and that HDB developments maintain minimum separation distances from expressways.
LTA is studying the feasibility of low-noise pavement mix and vertical noise barriers for expressways near residential areas to assess noise reduction, road geometry impact, and cost-effectiveness.

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5 Oct 2020

National Project to Widen Footpaths and Build More Cycling Paths

Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Transport about progress on the national project to widen footpaths and build more cycling paths in Bukit Batok SMC.
Ong Ye Kung stated that COVID-19 has delayed cycling path projects by up to 12 months due to material and worker shortages.
The government remains committed to tripling cycling paths from 460 km to around 1300 km by 2030 under the Islandwide Cycling Network programme.
The project aims to provide towns like Bukit Batok with a wider active mobility network for safe and convenient use by all path users.

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5 Oct 2020

Progress of Construction of New Bus Depot near Seletar West Farmway and Plans to Improve Bus Services in Fernvale

Gan Thiam Poh inquired about the construction progress of the new Seletar West Farmway bus depot and plans to improve bus services in Fernvale.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the depot's completion was delayed to 2024 due to the Circuit Breaker but assured it would not affect current bus services for Fernvale residents.
Fernvale is currently served by the Sengkang LRT and bus routes connecting to Sengkang Interchange and other areas, with the LTA monitoring and adjusting services based on demand.

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5 Oct 2020

Plans to Review and Upgrade Wet Markets in Towns Growing in Size

Sharael Taha asked about the criteria for determining the number and size of wet markets in towns and whether there are plans to review and upgrade them as towns grow.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that most wet markets were built between 1967 and 1985 to resettle street hawkers, but consumer trends have shifted due to demographics and alternatives like supermarkets and online retailers, leading to declining popularity.
Upgrades under the Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme (2001–2013) removed vacated stalls to improve space, and new hawker centres focus on cooked food stalls to address affordable eating options.
New market construction or expansion is considered only with strong demand or shortage of alternatives to ensure viability, as new markets like Jurong West have not fared well.
Future markets must evolve to meet consumer needs, with the NEA monitoring the situation and collaborating with agencies and communities to ensure residents' needs are met.

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5 Oct 2020

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Woodlands Health Campus Development

Dr Lim Wee Kiak questioned the progress and any COVID-19 impact on the Woodlands Health Campus development.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that Singapore's construction industry faced significant disruptions from supply chain issues, manpower shortages, and the Circuit Breaker period, leading to phased and cautious resumption of work.
As a result, the Woodlands Health Campus and other healthcare projects are delayed by about a year, with WHC now scheduled to open from 2023 instead of 2022.
The Ministry of Health is exploring alternative measures to expand capacity and reduce demand on public healthcare institutions to address short-term impacts from these delays.

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5 Oct 2020

Proposal to Extend Cross Island Line Punggol Extension to Seletar Airport, Seletar Private Estate and Fernvale

Gan Thiam Poh proposed extending the Cross Island Line Punggol Extension to serve Seletar Airport, Seletar private estate, and Fernvale.
Ong Ye Kung stated there are no current plans for this extension due to projected travel demand and existing transport options like bus and LRT services.
He noted the upcoming Cross Island Line stations, such as Tavistock and Serangoon North, will serve Seletar residents, and LTA will review connections for Fernvale and Seletar.

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5 Oct 2020

Impact of Work-from-home Practices on Design of HDB Flats

Minister Desmond Lee explained that HDB flats are designed for functionality and flexibility, with features like large windows, open kitchens, and columns pushed to edges to allow residents to reconfigure spaces, including for work, through renovations or creative furnishing.
HDB is studying how to better support telecommuting, with smart-enabled homes being trialed in Punggol Northshore and Tengah, and broadband Wi-Fi already available in all flats to facilitate working from home.
Communal spaces like Community Living Rooms in void decks and Community Clubs are available with basic amenities such as charging points and Wi-Fi, and co-working spaces are offered at public libraries for additional needs.
HDB will monitor trends to convert existing communal spaces into workspaces and plan for workspaces in future community facilities.
The response indicates that HDB's design approach prioritises resident flexibility and is evolving to incorporate telecommuting support based on observed trends.

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