Infrastructure & development — Topics

6 Jan 2020

Measures to Ensure Safety of Workers During Construction of Cross Island Line Tunnel

Murali Pillai inquired about the anticipated challenges to worker safety during the construction of the Cross Island Line tunnel at 70 metres depth and the measures to address them.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that tunnelling at depth presents similar challenges to existing and upcoming lines and that appropriate mitigation measures ensure no additional risks to workers.
The Land Transport Authority closely supervises tunnelling projects, enforces safety regulations, and implements safeguards like personal protective equipment, adequate lighting, ventilation, and regular emergency evacuation drills.

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6 Jan 2020

Proposal to Reconsider Allowing PMD Users and Pedestrians to Co-use All Parts or Lanes of Park Connector Network

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Ministry for National Development to reconsider allowing PMD users and pedestrians to co-use all parts or lanes of the Park Connector Network (PCN) and to outline measures for safe segregation.
Lawrence Wong responded that the PCN will be subdivided into footpaths and shared paths, with PMDs only permitted on shared paths in line with active mobility regulations, and markings and signage will be updated for clarity.
NParks will continue to promote safe use of the PCN by implementing safety measures like lighting, speed regulating strips, and advisory signs in high-usage areas.
Physical separators such as grass verges will be added between footpaths and shared paths where the PCN is sufficiently wide.
The subdivision of the PCN is expected to be completed this year, harmonizing the network with LTA's cycling paths.

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6 Jan 2020

Adoption of Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) Method of Construction in Singapore

Since 2013, over 50 public and private sector projects in Singapore have adopted the PPVC construction method, with the government promoting its use through lead demand, incentives, and industry capability building.
More than $15 million in grants has been disbursed under the Productivity Innovation Project scheme to support PPVC-related firms and projects, alongside $5 million for PPVC-related training.
The number of approved PPVC suppliers has grown from three to 32 over six years, reflecting efforts to build local production capacity and industry expertise through training, workshops, and guides.
Challenges in adopting PPVC include managing cost premiums, which the government aims to lower long-term through multi-pronged strategies like productivity conditions and financial incentives.

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6 Jan 2020

Update on Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High-Speed Rail Project and Singapore-Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System

Both the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High-Speed Rail and Singapore-Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System projects are currently suspended, with specific end dates for the suspension periods.
Malaysia has expressed intentions to modify the RTS Link project and discuss the HSR project's future, but no formal proposals have been submitted to Singapore yet.
Singapore is engaged in discussions with Malaysia on the proposed changes and will assess them objectively against national requirements when details are received.
Singapore maintains that both projects are beneficial to both countries and keeps an open mind about their continuation.

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6 Jan 2020

Update on Enforcement and Other Measures after Ban of PMDs on Footpaths

The government has banned e-scooters from footpaths since November 2019, resulting in a 30% drop in related accidents and increased enforcement with more officers and technology, while offering transition grants for affected delivery riders.
Regulatory updates are being implemented for power-assisted bicycles, including registration, safety standards, and stricter road rules, with additional measures to support riders transitioning from e-scooters.
The cycling path network will be accelerated beyond the original 2025 and 2030 targets, with plans to expand markings and infrastructure to improve safety and connectivity, though specific kilometer details are pending.

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5 Nov 2019

Plans to Encourage Innovative Solutions to Climate Change in Entrepreneurship, Engineering and Sciences

The government is investing $900 million in research and development to develop innovative solutions for decarbonising Singapore's grid, industries, and buildings, working with industry and academic partners.
Singapore is maximizing solar energy deployment, including testing floating solar photovoltaic systems and studying clean fuels like hydrogen and carbon capture technologies.
The Centre for Climate Research Singapore (CCRS) is leading climate science research, including a new Programme Office and the National Sea Level Programme to address sea level rise and coastal protection.
Singapore is exploring coastal protection technologies and building a polder at Pulau Tekong to gain experience in managing sea level rise impacts.
The government emphasizes collaboration across government, businesses, civil society, and citizens to address climate change through mitigation and adaptation efforts.

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5 Nov 2019

Roll-out of 5G Telecommunication Services from 2020

The Minister outlined that 5G spectrum allocation is through a Call for Proposal which requires applicants to demonstrate resilient and secure network designs, including independent security testing of equipment against international standards.
Two nationwide 5G networks are planned to provide at least half of Singapore with 5G coverage by end-2022, with a focus on security and resilience as key criteria.
Additional millimetre wave spectrum is being allocated for two localised 5G networks to enable early business trials and services from as early as mid-2021, complementing the nationwide rollout.

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5 Nov 2019

Considerations in Selecting Gibraltar Crescent Site as Singapore's First Dementia Care Village

Leon Perera questioned the choice of the Gibraltar Crescent site for Singapore’s first dementia care village, citing the need to preserve state bungalows and the high cost of making them elder-friendly.
Gan Kim Yong explained the site was selected as a pilot to test a less medicalised, community-based care model that promotes independence for seniors with dementia in a home-like environment.
The government noted suitable sites for such pilots are scarce in land-scarce Singapore, and the Gibraltar site was shortlisted for its potential to innovate care.
State bungalows on the site are retained for heritage preservation and social use, and retrofitting is allowed under guidelines with costs borne by tenderers.
The pilot aims to generate learnings that can improve dementia care in existing and future facilities across Singapore.

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5 Nov 2019

Final Environmental Impact Assessment before Decision on Alignment Option for Cross Island MRT Line

Dennis Tan asked if a final, holistic environmental impact assessment would be conducted before deciding on the Cross Island MRT Line's alignment, to which the Ministry responded that a comprehensive two-phase EIA was already completed in 2019, with no plans for further study.
The Minister emphasized that the existing EIA was robust, involved independent review and stakeholder engagement, and concluded both alignments are feasible with mitigation, but it does not cover broader economic or whole-biome considerations.
Dennis Tan clarified his request for a more holistic valuation of ecosystem services and species/climate projections, while the Minister noted such broader assessments are separate from the specific EIA and that no date for the alignment decision has been set.

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4 Nov 2019

Update on Plans for Primary Schools in Buangkok

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked for an update on plans to build a primary school in Buangkok due to new housing blocks and pre-schools increasing demand.
MOE said school planning considers housing developments and projected population to ensure sufficient school places for families.
There are six primary schools within 1 km and another 10 within 2 km of Buangkok, with vacancies after Phase 2C registration showing capacity to meet demand.
MOE will continue monitoring the supply and demand in the area and make adjustments, including possibly opening more places in nearby schools if needed.

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4 Nov 2019

Announced Government Budget for Upgrading of Public and Private Estates over Next Few Years

Sylvia Lim asked how much of the $1 billion estate upgrading budget will go to private estates and how the allocation will be fair across different estates.
Lawrence Wong announced that $29 million will be set aside to upgrade 10 private estates under the Estate Upgrading Programme.
The selection prioritizes older estates with greater upgrading needs and scope for improvements like parks, playgrounds, barrier-free access, and covered drains.

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4 Nov 2019

Demolition of Sentosa Merlion

The Minister confirmed that the Sentosa Development Corporation explored all alternatives before deciding to demolish the Sentosa Merlion, citing its massive size and location as constraints to area development and accessibility.
He explained that relocating the 37-metre-tall statue was not feasible due to its scale and internal structural installations, making the demolition decision difficult but necessary.
In response to public sentiment, the Minister stated there are no plans to build a replacement Merlion, as there are already five other replicas located across Singapore.

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4 Nov 2019

Progress of Discussion with Malaysia on Cross-country MRT Line

Singapore and Malaysia signed a supplemental agreement in May 2019 to suspend the RTS Link project until September 2019, with Malaysia requesting the pause to study cost-reduction measures.
Malaysia later requested and received extensions of the suspension period, ultimately conveying in October 2019 their intent to proceed with changes to the project, though details were not yet shared with Singapore.
Singapore welcomed Malaysia's decision to continue with the project, which aims to ease Causeway congestion and boost connectivity, and both sides are now discussing amendments to the bilateral agreement and related operational contracts.

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4 Nov 2019

Plans for Singapore to Reach Net Zero Emissions

The Government is studying how to advance technology, such as carbon capture and green hydrogen, to transit to a lower carbon future and is exploring the feasibility of working toward net zero emissions while maintaining an ambitious NDC to reduce emissions intensity by 36% from 2005 levels by 2030.
Singapore faces geographical constraints like limited land and low renewable potential but is pushing innovation, such as floating solar and doubling solar deployment to at least 2 GWp by 2030, to compensate and enhance climate action.
The Government emphasizes a whole-of-nation effort, including policies like the carbon tax, energy conservation mandates for industries, and transport infrastructure improvements, while encouraging public and business participation to achieve climate goals.

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4 Nov 2019

New Timeline to Complete Construction of Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System

Malaysia has confirmed its intention to proceed with the Johor-Singapore RTS Link project with proposed changes, but details are not yet shared for Singapore to assess feasibility.
Singapore has agreed to extend the suspension period to 30 April 2020 to allow for further discussions on the project’s changes and amendments to the bilateral agreement.
The project remains mutually beneficial, aiming to ease Causeway congestion and enhance connectivity, with both countries working to finalize agreements for an operating company and concession.

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4 Nov 2019

Cross-agency Collaboration for Evaluation of Design for Covered Footpaths

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked whether the Municipal Services Office would collaborate with other agencies to evaluate designs for widening covered footpaths.
Lawrence Wong stated that multiple agencies have established Walking and Cycling Design Guidelines since February 2019, which specify recommended dimensions for covered linkways and footpaths.
Newer covered linkways generally meet these standards, while older ones may not due to pre-existing designs.
Where feasible and without site constraints, MSO works with relevant agencies to assess the cost-effectiveness of widening covered linkways and footpaths.
The Minister thanked Mr Lim for his feedback, emphasizing the government's commitment to improving the shared living environment.

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4 Nov 2019

Construction of Designated Cycling Paths in Bukit Panjang Town

Dr Teo Ho Pin requested an update on the construction of designated cycling paths in Bukit Panjang Town.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that 7 km of cycling paths will be built and completed by 2021, with 5 km finished next year and 2 km in 2021.
The paths will connect residents along key roads to transport nodes and amenities like LRT stations and town centres.
By next year, the network will serve areas like Bukit Panjang Ring Road, Pending Road, Fajar Road, Jelapang Road, Saujana Road, and Jelebu Road.
The cycling path network will be extended to Senja Road and Petir Road by 2021.

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4 Nov 2019

Update of Lift Upgrading Programme Status for Flats that Previously Did Not Qualify based on Cost Cap Quantum

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked for an update on the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) for flats that were previously ineligible due to cost cap quantum.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that the LUP has successfully upgraded over 5,150 of the original 5,300 blocks, with about 150 blocks still not feasible due to cost or technical constraints.
The government continues to explore cost-effective solutions for the remaining blocks while offering housing and financing assistance to residents with urgent mobility needs.

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4 Nov 2019

Outlook on Singapore’s Water Adequacy and Possibility of Water Rationing Exercises

A Member of Parliament asked whether Singapore might face water rationing like some regional cities, the outlook on water adequacy, and advice for businesses and residents.
The Minister responded that while regional cities have faced droughts and rationing, Singapore has not needed nationwide rationing since 1964 due to robust water infrastructure and diversification into NEWater, desalination, local catchment, and imported water.
However, recent dry spells have affected reservoirs, and climate change may increase extreme weather risks, so the government continues to invest in water resilience while urging prudent use.
PUB conducts water rationing exercises in schools and communities to raise conservation awareness, and advises all to adopt water-saving practices and technologies.
The government calls for collective commitment to treat water as a precious resource to ensure long-term sustainability.

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4 Nov 2019

More Measures to Step Up PMD Safety

The Ministry of Transport announced a ban on e-scooters from all footpaths starting immediately, with an advisory period until 31 December 2019 and strict enforcement from 1 January 2020, to ensure pedestrian safety.
To support the transition, enforcement teams will be increased to 200 officers, and non-compliant e-scooters must be disposed of by 1 July 2020 with an early disposal incentive, while retailers selling non-compliant devices face penalties.
The government will expand dedicated cycling paths to 750 km by 2025, work with food delivery companies to help riders switch to other vehicles, and consider mandatory theory tests and age limits for PMD users based on advisory panel recommendations.

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