Infrastructure & development — Topics

5 Oct 2020

Major Infrastructure Projects that May Be Postponed or Cancelled

Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for National Development for an update on major infrastructure projects that may be postponed or cancelled amid Singapore’s economic restructuring.
Desmond Lee highlighted that government agencies are reviewing plans for major infrastructure projects in collaboration with industry partners.
Some projects like Changi Airport Terminal 5 have been delayed due to COVID-19, but the government remains committed to critical infrastructure investments for future generations.

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5 Oct 2020

Expansion of Domestic Waste Recycling Industry

The Ministry acknowledges the need to expand local recycling capabilities and has acted on a 2018 study by the National Environment Agency (NEA) that found it feasible to develop domestic recycling for e-waste and plastics, aligning with the 2019 Zero Waste Masterplan.
Progress includes plans for three new e-waste facilities in the next three years to recycle over 64,000 tonnes annually, along with research collaborations and efforts to develop mechanical and chemical recycling solutions for plastics, including a feasibility study for a pilot Plastic Recovery Facility.
A cost-benefit analysis comparing exporting recyclables versus local processing has not been conducted due to lack of data on how exported waste is handled overseas, but the government is committed to strengthening local recycling capabilities to enhance resource resilience, especially given pandemic-related supply chain vulnerabilities.

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5 Oct 2020

Proposal to Ramp Up Construction of HDB Flats as Families Become More Financially Prudent Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Kwek Hian Chuan Henry proposed that HDB ramp up construction of flats, especially in mature estates, and reduce condo developments as families become more financially cautious during COVID-19.
Desmond Lee explained that housing supply is carefully planned through BTO and GLS programmes, with HDB increasing BTO flat supply to about 16,700 units this year, including a mix in mature and non-mature estates.
He noted that for mature estates with high demand, buyers can consider resale flats with grants of up to $160,000, and private housing supply has been reduced due to COVID-19 impacts.
The government will continue monitoring COVID-19 effects on the housing market and adjust public and private housing supplies accordingly.

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5 Oct 2020

Updated Timeline for RSAF Operations to Be Moved from Paya Lebar Air Base to Tengah Air Base

Ms Yeo Wan Ling asked for the status and updated timeline for the relocation of RSAF operations from Paya Lebar Air Base to Tengah Air Base.
Minister Ng Eng Hen stated that the move was projected for about 2030 or later, pending the expansion of Changi and Tengah Air Bases to accommodate existing assets.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused construction delays at both air bases, but the current assessment is that the relocation can still proceed within the originally projected timelines barring further disruptions.
Site surveys and preliminary designs for the expanded bases are complete, with current focus on land preparation and road realignment at Tengah Air Base before construction begins at Changi Air Base.

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4 Sep 2020

Update on Feasibility Study of Implementing Noise Mitigation Measures along Pan-Island Expressway Adjacent to HDB Blocks in Bukit Batok SMC

The Ministry of Transport reported that LTA's feasibility study on noise mitigation for the Pan-Island Expressway near HDB blocks in Bukit Batok SMC is ongoing.
Trials indicated that low-noise pavement mix is more effective than vertical barriers in reducing noise for nearby residents.
LTA will assess incorporating this pavement mix at an appropriate time, while acknowledging the need for public patience during ongoing efforts to improve living conditions.

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4 Sep 2020

Plans to Review and Extend Guidelines for Covered Linkways Beyond 400 Metres

Don Wee asked the Minister for Transport whether LTA will review and extend the guidelines for covered linkways beyond 400 metres, highlighting their importance in linking people and amenities.
Ong Ye Kung explained that LTA’s covered linkway programme aims to connect commuters to major transport nodes in a fiscally prudent way, with linkways provided within a 400-metre radius of key stations and bus interchanges.
He noted that this approach ensures limited financial resources can cover more locations and benefit more commuters, considering community feedback and the needs of vulnerable groups.

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4 Sep 2020

Proposal to Bring Forward Schedule for Building Hawker Centre in Bukit Batok HDB Town

Murali Pillai proposed accelerating the construction of the Bukit Batok hawker centre from the 2027 schedule to address population growth and stabilize local food prices.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that the hawker centre is planned to be co-located with assisted living flats, with timelines coordinated between NEA and HDB.
She added that further details and completion dates will be announced once finalized, and engagement with the local adviser will continue.
The Ministry noted that new coffee shops have already been added by HDB alongside new flats to meet residents’ dining needs.

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4 Sep 2020

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Construction of Extended Cycling Path Network

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of the extended cycling path network and the expected delays due to COVID-19 disruptions.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the pandemic has affected the availability of construction materials and workers, potentially delaying the completion of cycling path projects by up to 12 months.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to expand the cycling network from 460 km to 1,300 km by 2030 to promote safe and convenient active mobility.

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4 Sep 2020

Criteria for Setting Up Hawker Centres and Wet Markets

The Government announced in 2011 and 2015 plans to build 20 new hawker centres, with seven operational and ten expected by 2027, focusing on new or underserved estates to ensure affordable food access.
The National Environment Agency assesses hawker centre needs based on town-wide geographical areas and populations, considering residential catchment, F&B options, accessibility, and co-location with amenities or transport nodes.
New hawker centres generally do not include wet market sections due to the availability of alternative fresh produce options and the need for sufficient scale and broader catchment to be viable.

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4 Sep 2020

Measures to Address Over-subscription During Primary 1 Registration Exercise in Bukit Batok and Sengkang

Murali Pillai highlighted the severe over-subscription at Princess Elizabeth Primary School in Bukit Batok, asking if an additional primary school could be built to meet demand.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim requested detailed statistics on over-subscription, spare capacity, student-teacher ratios, and factors determining Primary 1 places in Sengkang versus national averages.
Lawrence Wong assured that MOE ensures sufficient school places nationally and regionally, with 98% of children securing a place near their home, and plans to build new schools in Bukit Batok and Sengkang based on long-term demand.
In Bukit Batok, there are six primary schools with 12% of places still vacant after Phase 2C, while in Sengkang, 4% of places remain across 12 schools, with spare classrooms and a slightly higher student-teacher ratio than the national average.
MOE reviews demand annually, considers future housing developments, and adjusts intakes or builds new schools as needed, with specific plans underway for Bukit Batok linked to the Tengah New Town development.

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4 Sep 2020

Progress of Development on Thomson-East Coast Line Given Delays Due to COVID-19

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim queried the Minister for Transport about the progress of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) amid COVID-19 delays and potential spillover effects on other MRT projects.
Minister Ong Ye Kung confirmed that TEL Stage 2 will open in Q1 2021, a three-month delay from the original schedule, due to Circuit Breaker measures.
Delays for subsequent TEL stages and other MRT projects remain uncertain as construction activities resume, but the government is committed to expanding the network to 360km by the early 2030s.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Transport

The Ministry of Transport will focus on reviving Singapore's air hub by progressively restoring transit services, improving infrastructure like Changi's three-runway system and Terminal 5, and re-skilling workers amid severe COVID-19 impacts.
The maritime sector will be strengthened through investments in Tuas Port, digitalization for efficient operations, and adapting to global supply chain shifts to maintain Singapore's status as a key maritime hub.
Public transport will be expanded and made more sustainable, with new MRT lines, improved accessibility, and a move towards a car-lite nation including phasing out internal combustion vehicles by 2040 and promoting electric vehicles.
Collaboration with Malaysia on land transport projects, like the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link and discussions on the HSR, aims to improve connectivity and people-to-people ties post-pandemic.
Climate change initiatives include promoting sustainable travel patterns, expanding cycling paths, and international efforts in maritime and aviation decarbonisation through advisory panels and green funds.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment will prioritize environmental public health resilience, food security, and job creation in response to COVID-19, including initiatives like the "30x30 Express" grant and hiring for safe distancing roles.
Long-term plans include combating climate change through a green recovery, investing in climate science research, and protecting against rising sea levels, with programs such as the National Sea Level Research Programme and the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund.
Singapore will enhance water security by expanding the Changi NEWater Factory and implementing smart meters, and improve food security by diversifying imports and achieving the "30 by 30" goal for local food production.
The ministry is committed to a zero-waste nation via circular economy approaches, transforming waste into resources like NEWSand and NEWOil, and mandating recycling for key waste streams to reduce vulnerability to global shocks.
MSE aims to create 4,000 new and upgraded jobs in the next year and 55,000 over 10 years in sustainability sectors, while engaging the public through initiatives like the $50 million SG Eco Fund to foster collaborative environmental solutions.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of National Development

The Ministry will help the construction sector restart and transform through technology, digitalisation, and skills training to improve productivity and create better jobs.
It will ensure housing affordability and stability by assisting affected households, minimizing BTO flat delays, and catering to diverse needs, including seniors, low-income families, and multigenerational households.
The Ministry aims to make towns more liveable and inclusive by upgrading estates, developing "Healthy Towns," and enhancing community engagement for resident-driven rejuvenation.
A key focus is transforming Singapore into a "City in Nature" by protecting nature areas, greening buildings and infrastructure, and reducing HDB town energy consumption by 15% by 2030.
It will partner the community and industry on long-term projects like the Rail Corridor, Greater Southern Waterfront, and Jurong Lake District to create sustainable, vibrant spaces for future generations.

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5 Jun 2020

Data Usage Pattern since Start of COVID-19 and Adequacy of Digital Infrastructure

National data usage has increased significantly due to telecommuting and home-based learning during COVID-19, but Singapore's digital infrastructure remains adequate with a healthy buffer of at least 30% in network capacity.
The government is working with telecom operators to enhance infrastructure resilience, including increasing network buffers, investing in 5G networks, and investigating recent outages to enforce service standards.
Plans are in place to improve network back-ups and quick restoration capabilities to minimize disruptions, while ensuring sustainable development of digital infrastructure to manage carbon emissions in line with climate commitments.

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5 Jun 2020

Procurement Arrangements for Construction of Government Quarantine Facilities, Community Recovery Facilities and Community Care Facilities

The Government used emergency procurement to quickly construct quarantine and care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, waiving tenders due to time constraints and focusing on speed to avoid overwhelming the healthcare system.
Accountability measures were applied, including comparisons with market benchmarks and scrutiny of invoices, with some private companies supporting projects on a cost-recovery basis.
Going forward, if conditions stabilize, agencies will consider more open tender processes and broader vendor participation to ensure value for money and support enterprises.
Even under current emergency procurement, agencies already engage multiple vendors and compare quotes where feasible to maintain competition and quality.

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4 Jun 2020

Actual and Expected Conversion of Natural Spaces to Urban Development and Carbon Sequestered under URA Concept Plan

Anthea Ong questioned the Minister for National Development about land converted from natural to urban spaces over the past 20 years, future conversions under the URA Concept Plan, the impact on primary and mature secondary forests, and the carbon sequestered by affected areas.
Lawrence Wong responded that Singapore has increased green and natural spaces from 5,500 hectares in 2000 to 7,800 hectares today, with plans to add another 1,000 hectares of parks and gardens under the Master Plan 2019, and is transforming into a City in Nature with initiatives like planting one million trees by 2030.
He emphasized that developments near sensitive nature areas undergo robust environmental assessments, and Singapore’s efforts to enhance natural ecosystems support carbon storage and sequestration, aligning with climate resilience goals and a pledge to peak emissions at 65 MtCO2e around 2030.

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26 May 2020

Reason for Recent Flash Floods and Plans to Tackle Issue

The flash floods on 30 April 2020 were caused by exceptionally intense rainfall of 128.4mm, overwhelming roadside drains in areas like Sennett Estate, Upper Paya Lebar Service Road, and Tampines Road.
PUB has invested almost $2 billion in drainage upgrades since 2011, with recent projects like the Tampines Canal upgrade reducing flood areas by 86%, and ongoing works to further improve drainage in affected areas by 2021.
Beyond drainage expansion, PUB is enhancing flood resilience through measures like loaning portable flood panels, upgrading radar technology for better forecasting, and encouraging public use of weather alert apps.

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26 May 2020

Regionalisation of Supply Chains and Impact on Singapore’s Trade and Logistics Sector

The Minister highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating existing trends toward regionalised supply chains, with near-term economic challenges but long-term opportunities for Singapore to strengthen its role as a trusted trade and logistics hub through enhanced connectivity, digital agreements, and regional integration initiatives like RCEP.
The government is supporting companies and workers through measures such as R&D for Industry 4.0 supply chains, digital platforms for SMEs to access overseas markets, and reskilling programmes to prepare for the evolving logistics landscape.
In response to concerns about shorter supply chains and port viability, the Minister assured that regional supply chain shifts can benefit Singapore’s port operations, especially with long-term investments like Tuas Mega Port, and emphasised that diversification away from China is not zero-sum but creates new opportunities for Singapore to leverage its strengths in talent, IP protection, and trusted connectivity.

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7 Apr 2020

Cost of Building Cross Island Line and Measures to Ensure Minimal Impact on Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Affordability to Vulnerable Populations

Khaw Boon Wan clarified that the government fully funds the construction of the Cross Island Line (CRL) under the rail financing framework, ensuring commuters do not bear the cost through fares.
He stated that the final cost depends on tender bids and the government does not disclose project budgets to avoid influencing ongoing or future tenders.
For the Central Catchment Nature Reserve section, tender requirements will specify tunnel alignment, depth, and environmental mitigation measures as outlined in the Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan.
The plan was developed through rigorous study and stakeholder consultation, including Nature Groups, as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment.
No specific measures were mentioned for protecting vulnerable populations from affordability issues, as the cost is not passed to commuters via fares.

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