Infrastructure & development — Topics

6 Apr 2020

Adequacy of Estimated $100 Billion for Coastal Defences over Next 100 Years in View of Rise in Sea Level from Melting of Antarctica

The $100 billion estimate for coastal defences over 100 years was based on a 2013 study and older climate reports that did not fully account for Antarctic ice melt.
Newer scientific findings, including a 2019 IPCC report, indicate higher sea-level rise for tropical regions like Singapore, prompting ongoing research and updates to projections.
The government has allocated $5 billion to a Coastal and Flood Protection Fund and plans detailed studies on specific coastal areas to refine cost estimates and adaptation measures.
The $100 billion figure is an initial estimate that may change as climate science evolves, and Singapore’s approach will remain flexible to accommodate future data.

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26 Mar 2020

Proposal for all MRT Stations and Bus Interchanges to Have at Least One Lactation Room and Breastfeeding Room

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked about the current percentage of MRT stations and bus interchanges with lactation and breastfeeding rooms, and whether it can be made compulsory for all to have at least one.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that 50% of bus interchanges already have nursing rooms, with plans to include them in all new interchanges, integrated transport hubs, and new MRT interchange stations.
The Ministry will explore providing nursing rooms during upgrades of existing MRT stations but does not plan to make them compulsory for all, as many stations are already near facilities like shopping centres that offer such rooms.

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6 Mar 2020

Public Utilities (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources introduced amendments to the Public Utilities Act to expand PUB’s mandate to include coastal protection, establish a $5 billion Coastal and Flood Protection Fund, and legislate new safeguards for water infrastructure, including smart water meters and water tank security.
Members of Parliament supported the Bill but raised questions on funding sustainability for coastal protection, the use of local companies for projects, and the circumstances under which Special Administration Orders would be invoked for Design-Build-Own-Operate water plants.
The Minister clarified that the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund would be ring-fenced and supplemented by other funding sources, and that legislative safeguards for water plants were proactive measures to enhance water security, with Special Administration Orders to be used only in exceptional circumstances.

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6 Mar 2020

Incentives for Shopping Malls to Install Tactile Paving to Aid Visually Impaired

Louis Ng asked the Ministry for National Development to consider providing more incentives, such as partial funding, for shopping malls to install tactile paving for the visually impaired.
The Minister of State responded that the Building and Construction Authority’s Accessibility Fund already co-funds up to 60% of construction costs, capped at $300,000 per development, for features like tactile paving in eligible private buildings including malls.
Louis Ng shared feedback from a visually impaired person who found tactile paving effective at one location but lacking at another, and suggested making it compulsory for easier navigation.
The Minister acknowledged that newer buildings are required to have accessibility features, while older buildings are encouraged through funding during renovations, noting the fund's substantial support and citing high compliance in areas like Orchard Road.
Both sides emphasized ongoing efforts to raise awareness and improve accessibility, with the Minister noting enforcement challenges for older buildings not originally designed with such features.

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5 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

The COVID-19 outbreak has severely impacted Singapore's transportation sector, leading to reduced travel across air, sea, and land, prompting the government to implement support measures for affected workers and businesses while planning for prolonged disruption.
Significant investments are being made to expand and renew Singapore's rail network, with major projects like the Thomson-East Coast Line, Cross Island Line, and renewal of older lines, aiming to double the rail network by 2030 and improve reliability.
The government outlined long-term strategies to transition to a sustainable land transport system, including phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040, accelerating cycling path construction, and promoting walk-cycle-ride modes to reduce carbon emissions and improve connectivity.
Discussions included enhancing safety and inclusivity in transport, such as implementing pedestrian safety measures, streamlining medical exams for elderly taxi drivers, and expanding trial programs like priority cabins on trains for vulnerable commuters.
Members raised concerns about various issues, including the need for more support for point-to-point drivers, progress on cross-border projects like the RTS Link, and environmental considerations for infrastructure projects like the Cross Island Line, with ministries providing updates and commitments to address these.

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4 Mar 2020

Consideration to Evaluate Battery-Swapping as Alternative to Charging for Electric Vehicles Charging Points

Leon Perera asked the Ministry for Trade and Industry whether it is evaluating battery-swapping as an alternative to charging for the target of 28,000 EV charging points.
Chan Chun Sing confirmed the Ministry is exploring battery-swapping as a complement to charging.
The efficacy of battery-swapping and technological progress in EVs and charging infrastructure will influence the final design of the EV charging network.
The debate highlighted that battery-swapping is being considered alongside traditional charging methods rather than as a complete replacement.
The government's approach will be shaped by ongoing evaluations of both charging and battery-swapping technologies.

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4 Mar 2020

Conduct Independent Environmental Assessments and Release Regular Reports to Public during Construction of Cross Island MRT Line

Louis Ng asked if the Ministry will conduct independent environmental assessments and release regular public reports on mitigation measures during Cross Island Line construction near the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.
Khaw Boon Wan said the Land Transport Authority will appoint a contractor to engage an environmental consultant to implement the Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan, which is part of the gazetted Environmental Impact Assessment and was developed with stakeholder input.
The LTA will involve nature group representatives in reviewing mitigation measures and will establish an Environmental Advisory Panel of experts to independently assess the consultant’s implementation of the plan.

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4 Mar 2020

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

The debate centered on enhancing housing affordability and accessibility, with the Ministry announcing a simplified Silver Housing Bonus, expanded Lease Buyback Scheme, and a new open booking system to help home-seekers access flats more quickly.
Members raised concerns about supporting diverse housing needs, including for singles, unwed parents, and elderly residents, with the Ministry committing to a case-by-case approach for unwed parents and piloting assisted living flats.
Discussions also covered rejuvenating HDB towns, including launching a 10-year Green Towns programme, accelerating the Home Improvement Programme for older flats, and introducing a new Lift Access Housing Grant for residents needing direct lift access.

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4 Mar 2020

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

Parliament debated Singapore's environmental and water resources, focusing on climate change mitigation, adaptation strategies, and community engagement, with the Minister outlining enhanced carbon tax commitments, new coastal protection agency under PUB, and a $5 billion Coastal and Flood Protection Fund.
Key initiatives included reducing hydrofluorocarbon emissions, expanding solar energy projects like floating solar systems at reservoirs, and promoting food security through the "30 by 30" goal to produce 30% of nutritional needs locally by 2030 via technological innovation and sustainable farming.
Discussions addressed waste management through the Zero Waste Masterplan and Extended Producer Responsibility schemes for e-waste and packaging, alongside dengue control measures like Project Wolbachia and public hygiene campaigns amid COVID-19.

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3 Mar 2020

Incorporate Water Points and Sunshades into Proposed Redesign for Future NS Square

Louis Ng asked whether the proposed redesign for future NS Square includes water points and sunshades for large audiences and if not, whether the Ministry will ensure their inclusion.
Lawrence Wong confirmed that water points are standard stadium amenities and will be incorporated into the final design.
He added that the design brief requires an enjoyable and comfortable spectator experience, which may include sunshades or other innovative solutions.

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2 Mar 2020

Factors Considered in Shortlisting and Selection of Design Proposal for Future NS Square

Mr. Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether sustainability and energy use are considered in the procurement process for the future NS Square and what specific measures are involved.
Lawrence Wong stated that all new large public sector buildings, including NS Square, must achieve the BCA Green Mark Platinum rating, which assesses energy and water efficiency, operations, maintenance, and sustainable products.
Shortlisted design teams can propose additional green features to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency, and agencies will evaluate these measures during the selection process.

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18 Feb 2020

Balancing Needs of Motorists and Pedestrians with Increasing Number of Silver Zones Built

The Ministry for Transport emphasized that Silver Zones, introduced in 2014, prioritize pedestrian safety—especially for seniors—through features like longer crossing times, reduced speed limits, and narrower lanes, despite some inconvenience to motorists.
Data shows a 75% drop in road accidents involving senior pedestrians since the implementation of Silver Zones, underscoring the program's effectiveness in enhancing safety for vulnerable road users.
Locations and designs for Silver Zones are determined through community consultation by the Land Transport Authority, balancing the needs of motorists, senior pedestrians, and other stakeholders in high-risk areas.

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4 Feb 2020

Demolition of Kallang Squash Centre and Impact on Availability of Venue for Hosting International Squash Tournaments and Training for Elite Players

The Ministry affirmed that Singapore currently has 24 public squash courts across five locations, with stable peak-period utilisation, and identified Burghley and Yio Chu Kang as interim national training sites following the Kallang Centre's demolition.
It confirmed ongoing discussions with the Singapore Squash Rackets Association since 2018 on replacement facilities and longer-term infrastructure plans, while noting the sport’s recent international success, including medals at the Southeast Asian Games.
The Ministry highlighted the need for continued collaboration between Sport Singapore, the squash fraternity, and the community to support the sport’s development and ensure availability for elite training and tournaments.

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4 Feb 2020

Analysis that Supported Development of SecureMyBike Project in Admiralty that was Eventually Discontinued

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira questioned the Minister for Transport about the studies and cost-benefit analyses that supported the $4.7 million SecureMyBike project at Admiralty, which was discontinued due to lack of demand, and how the Ministry plans to ensure future walk, cycle, and ride infrastructure improvements.
The Minister for Transport explained that the project was part of the Kampung Admiralty development, initiated in 2012, with extensive public consultations leading to underground bicycle parking to address a projected shortage, but demand shifted due to shared bicycles and e-scooters, making the pilot financially unviable.
Assoc Prof Walter Theseira suggested the Ministry develop guidelines for market research and logic models to review project assumptions post-completion, which the Minister agreed to, noting ongoing reviews and potential future demand for bicycle parking as cycling infrastructure expands.

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3 Feb 2020

Rationale for HDB Issuing Temporary Occupational Licences over State Land to People's Association

Sylvia Lim asked about the rationale for HDB issuing Temporary Occupation Licences for state land to the People’s Association and the fees charged, to which Lawrence Wong explained that such licences allow interim use of vacant state land for community or recreational purposes until development is needed.
HDB, acting as SLA’s agent, issues these licences for up to three years with possible renewals, with the duration depending on the land’s intended development timeline and the applicant’s needs.
Fees for these licences vary by use and are published on SLA’s website, with the People’s Association being one of the entities that can apply for such licences.

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3 Feb 2020

Annual Number of HDB's Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme Projects in Past 10 Years and Dwelling Units Affected

Over the past 10 years, eight HDB sites have been announced for the Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS), affecting about 6,900 sold flats or an average of 690 flats per year.
SERS is limited due to factors such as site redevelopment potential and availability of nearby replacement homes, so few more sites are expected to be eligible.
The government has introduced a new Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) to systematically redevelop and renew older HDB towns.
The debate highlighted the challenges of implementing SERS, including its compulsory acquisition nature and constraints on site selection.
The exchange focused on the annual breakdown of SERS projects and units affected, as well as the need for alternative renewal strategies.

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3 Feb 2020

Noise Barriers along Kranji Expressway Adjacent to Residential Units along Segar Estate and Blossom Residences

Liang Eng Hwa asked whether noise barriers could be installed along the Kranji Expressway near Segar Estate and Blossom Residences and what the estimated cost per metre would be.
Khaw Boon Wan replied that low-noise pavement mix will be implemented instead, as it is more effective at reducing noise than vertical barriers.
Noise barriers costing $4,000 to $5,000 per metre are considered unsuitable for this stretch due to visibility concerns for oncoming traffic.
The Land Transport Authority will continue exploring cost-effective methods to mitigate traffic noise and improve living conditions for residents.
The low-noise pavement mix is expected to be implemented by the first quarter of 2022.

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6 Jan 2020

Proposal to Build Noise Barriers along Stretch of PIE Adjacent to HDB Blocks between Bukit Batok Road Exit and Toh Guan Road Flyover

Murali Pillai asked the Ministry for Transport to consider building noise barriers or other measures to reduce traffic noise along the PIE stretch near HDB blocks between Bukit Batok Road exit and Toh Guan Road flyover.
Khaw Boon Wan replied that the Land Transport Authority is studying feasibility of noise mitigation options, including barriers and noise-reducing pavement.
The LTA will decide on measures after the study, considering factors like building-road distance and cost-effectiveness.

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6 Jan 2020

LTA's Plan to Expand Shared Path Network by 2025

Murali Pillai asked whether constituencies without shared paths would be prioritized in LTA’s plan to expand the network to 750 km by 2025.
LTA had planned to extend cycling paths from 440 km to 750 km by 2025 and 1,300 km by 2030.
LTA will accelerate implementation and prioritize towns with high e-scooter usage and no existing intra-town cycling networks.
LTA will collaborate with local Advisors to ensure new paths meet residents’ needs.

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6 Jan 2020

Private Estates with Concentrations of Particular Nationalities and Proposal for Ethnic Quotas for Private Estates

Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked which private estates have the highest concentrations of particular nationalities and whether ethnic quotas should be introduced for these estates to promote harmonious integration.
Minister Lawrence Wong noted that central private estates have higher non-citizen proportions due to proximity to workplaces, but such demographics shift frequently, making quotas complex to implement and potentially disruptive to the property market.
The Ministry is instead using urban planning strategies, such as injecting public housing in city centres and spreading jobs outside central areas, to diversify residential populations across Singapore.
Integration efforts are also being advanced through the National Integration Council and community initiatives to foster interactions between Singaporeans and foreigners in neighborhoods, workplaces, and public spaces.

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