Infrastructure & development — Topics

5 Aug 2019

Rationale for Inability to Recover Overpayment Amount for Contract Variations in National Gallery Development Project

The Ministry explained that the $13 million was a waiver of penalties for delays, not an overpayment, and was part of contract variations necessary for a complex project involving two monuments.
The Minister clarified that the Auditor-General’s finding about recovering the amount was due to it being too late, not fraud, and the Ministry’s audit found no need for major recoveries.
The National Gallery Singapore is enhancing its financial and procurement processes following the audit, with the Ministry working to implement recommendations from the Auditor-General.

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8 Jul 2019

Cause of Substation Fire at Carlton Hotel

The Carlton Hotel substation fire in February 2019 was caused by a short circuit due to failed insulation from heat stress and foreign contaminants, which EMA found could have been prevented if SP Power Grid followed its SOP, resulting in a $1 million penalty.
The Bright Hill substation fire in January 2019 was caused by a faulty voltage transformer used beyond its recommended lifespan, leading to a $750,000 penalty; SP Power Grid is now replacing all such aged equipment and isolating them to prevent cascading failures.
EMA has increased regulatory oversight and SP Power Grid is enhancing its maintenance regime, investing in monitoring technologies, and reviewing practices with an independent consultant to improve reliability and reduce future risks.

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8 Jul 2019

Checks in Water Meters to Ensure Absence of Leakage

Joan Pereira inquired whether PUB conducts regular checks on residential water meters for leaks and what the follow-up process is when residents suspect a faulty meter.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that homeowners are responsible for maintaining fixtures, while SP Services and PUB monitor usage patterns and investigate anomalies, replacing faulty meters or advising on leaks as needed.
Residents can check for leaks by monitoring their meter dial after turning off taps and engage a licensed plumber, or request a meter check from SP Services.
By 2023, PUB plans to install 300,000 smart water meters to provide residents with daily usage data and early leak alerts via a mobile app or online portal.

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8 Jul 2019

Capacity and Waitlists at Infant Care Centres in Yishun

Dr. Lee Bee Wah asked about the capacity, waitlist numbers, wait times, and plans for infant care centres in Yishun.
The government confirmed there are 30 centres with 430 infant care places and about 100 parents on the waitlist, representing 2% of Yishun parents with infants.
Some centres have immediate vacancies or openings within six months, but wait times may be longer for specific centres.
The government plans to add six new centres and 130 more infant care places in Yishun by 2022, aligned with future housing developments.

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8 Jul 2019

Accidents Involving Cyclists and PMD Users at Bus Stops

In the past year, there were 18 reported accidents involving cyclists and PMD users at or near bus stops.
The Land Transport Authority is improving bus stop infrastructure by building cycling paths and widening footpaths, adding features like speed regulating strips and signage to guide cyclists and PMD users behind bus stops rather than through them.
LTA conducts nationwide public education campaigns and a Safe Riding Programme to promote safe practices such as giving way to pedestrians, slowing down near bus stops, and walking or dismounting devices in crowded areas.

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8 Jul 2019

Singapore's Efforts to Address Climate Change, Prioritise Sustainable Living and Reduce Food Waste

Singapore is implementing the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint, which integrates eco-friendly features in housing estates and new districts while promoting community participation in environmental programmes.
The government has taken a multi-pronged approach to climate change, including the carbon tax, climate research, and adaptation measures like water and flood resilience technologies, alongside nationwide campaigns to encourage collective action.
To address waste, Singapore is launching a Zero Waste Masterplan targeting e-waste, food, and packaging, with public campaigns, regulatory measures, and partnerships to promote reduction, reuse, and recycling.
Specific efforts to reduce food waste include public awareness campaigns, educational guides for businesses, and collaborations with NGOs to redistribute excess food.
The government emphasises that sustainable living requires both hardware and "heartware," urging all citizens to adopt green lifestyle choices to support a low-carbon, zero-waste future.

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8 Jul 2019

Impact of Huawei Ban on Singapore’s 5G Deployment

Leon Perera asked about the impact of the US Huawei ban on Singapore's 5G deployment.
S Iswaran stated that Singapore plans to begin 5G infrastructure rollout next year as planned, while closely monitoring developments.
The government is consulting stakeholders, evaluating technical aspects, and piloting 5G use cases to ensure a resilient and secure deployment.

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8 May 2019

Impact to Singapore from Development of Ship-to-Ship Transfer Hub at Johor's Tanjung Pelepas Port

Singapore has requested and is awaiting detailed information from Malaysia on the ship-to-ship transfer hub project in the Straits of Johor to ensure it does not encroach on Singapore’s territorial waters.
The project appears focused on petroleum product storage and trading, not container operations, but Singapore is concerned about its implications for navigation safety and trans-boundary environmental impact.
A full assessment of the project’s impact on Singapore port operations can only be conducted once Malaysia provides the necessary details.

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8 May 2019

State of Bilateral Relations with Malaysia following 9th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat

Following the 9th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat, both countries agreed to de-escalate tensions by mutually suspending overlapping port limits and will soon begin negotiations on maritime boundaries through a joint committee.
Both sides reaffirmed the 1962 Water Agreement, with Singapore stating Malaysia has no right to review water pricing, while also highlighting concerns over river pollution in Johor that could threaten water supply sustainability.
Malaysia and Singapore agreed to suspend the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link and the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail projects for review, and will work to implement GPS-based procedures for Seletar Airport approaches.

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7 May 2019

Operation and Maintenance of Tuaspring Pte Ltd by PUB

Miss Cheng Li Hui questioned whether PUB has the necessary manpower, the long-term operating model, and any cost implications for operating and maintaining Tuaspring Pte Ltd.
PUB announced it will take over, own, and operate the Tuaspring Desalination Plant, citing its operational capabilities, experience, and manpower to do so reliably.
PUB is implementing measures and upgrades to restore the plant’s reliability and is working with Tuaspring to facilitate a smooth handover.
PUB will assess operational costs after the takeover and emphasized that its actions are to safeguard Singapore’s water security.

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6 May 2019

Review of Speed Limit on Non-Expressway Roads

Sitoh Yih Pin queried whether the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has considered lowering speed limits on non-expressway roads to enhance safety amid increased use of bicycles and personal mobility devices.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that speed limits are determined based on road geometry and pedestrian activity, with reduced limits already applied in high-activity zones like school and silver zones.
The government prioritizes building dedicated cycling paths and a comprehensive cycling network across HDB towns by 2030 instead of reducing road speed limits.
Emphasis was placed on user behavior, urging all road and path users to exercise caution and consideration for safety.
The overall approach focuses on infrastructure development and shared responsibility rather than solely lowering speed limits.

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6 May 2019

Impact on Singapore of Prolonged Stoppage of Water Treatment at Johor Plant

In the event of a prolonged stoppage at the Johor River Waterworks, Singapore would step up production at desalination plants and local waterworks to meet domestic demand, while Johor's water supply would also be impacted due to shared reliance on the river.
Singapore has no obligation to supply treated water to Johor during such disruptions, as the 1962 Water Agreement only requires Singapore to sell treated water up to 2% of its daily imports from Johor, a limit already exceeded on goodwill.
Frequent pollution incidents, traced to illegal discharges in Johor, have caused temporary shutdowns of the Johor River Waterworks, prompting Singapore to raise concerns with Malaysian authorities and collaborate on flushing polluted water.
Singapore continues to engage Malaysia to address the root causes of pollution and prevent future incidents, emphasizing the shared impact on both countries' water security.

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1 Apr 2019

Total Area in Singapore Used for Housing, Industries, Parks, Nature Reserves and Water Catchment

Png Eng Huat requested the Minister for National Development to specify the percentage of Singapore’s land area used for public housing, private housing, industrial land, and parks, nature reserves, and water catchment.
Lawrence Wong responded that approximately 8% of Singapore’s land is used for public housing.
He stated that about 7% of land is allocated for private housing, mainly in low-rise and low-density zones.
Wong noted that 13% of Singapore’s land is designated for industrial use.
He added that 14% of the land is used for parks, nature reserves, nature areas, and waterbodies.

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1 Apr 2019

Update on Redevelopment Plan for HDB Flats at Dakota Crescent

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether the redevelopment plan for HDB flats at Dakota Crescent is finalised and if details can be shared on the six retained blocks.
Lawrence Wong confirmed the estate will be redeveloped for public housing, with plans being finalised and more details to be shared when ready.
Agencies are discussing potential community uses for the six retained SIT blocks, including ground-level activation and upper-storey accommodation like hostels.
Feasibility studies are underway by interested parties, and further information will be shared with stakeholders after completion.

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1 Apr 2019

Progress on Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points Across Singapore

Leon Perera inquired about the progress and timeline for installing 2,000 electric vehicle charging points across Singapore.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the BlueSG electric car-sharing program, supported by LTA and EDB, aims to deploy 500 stations with 2,000 charging points by the end of 2020.
As of the update, BlueSG had installed 178 charging stations and 703 charging points toward this goal.

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1 Apr 2019

Sale of Government Freehold Land to Private Developers

Dr Lim Wee Kiak inquired about the amount of freehold land owned by the Government, the policy for selling it to private developers, and the volume sold over the past decade.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that the Government releases land for private development mainly through the Government Land Sales (GLS) programme via open tender.
He noted that the lease tenure for land sold under GLS does not exceed 99 years and is predetermined before the launch.

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1 Apr 2019

Impact of Hyflux’s Recent Challenges on Singapore's Water Supply

PUB has robust safeguards in place under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and is operationally capable to take over the Tuaspring desalination plant if needed, ensuring Singapore’s water security is not compromised.
PUB issued a default notice to Tuaspring Pte Ltd due to operational and financial failures, and will acquire the plant at zero cost, which is a favourable outcome for the company and will not disadvantage investors.
The government will not use taxpayers’ money to bail out Hyflux investors, as financial losses are part of investment risks, and proceeds from any asset sale will follow legal priority orders (e.g., to secured creditors first).

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7 Mar 2019

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Members debated the Land Transport Master Plan 2040, highlighting ambitious goals for 20-minute towns and a 45-minute city, while questioning the significant costs and fiscal sustainability of public transport investments, including fare affordability and the impact on lower-income commuters.
Concerns were raised about infrastructure and service improvements, such as the Hume MRT station's planned opening by 2025, the feasibility of an MRT line to Tuas South, and enhancing connectivity in areas like Bukit Gombak to support future developments like the NS Hub.
The rapid growth of private hire vehicles, PMDs, and bike-sharing services prompted calls for updated regulations to ensure safety, fair competition, and driver welfare, leading to the announcement of a new licensing framework and tripartite committees to address these issues.

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6 Mar 2019

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

Members highlighted ongoing challenges in public rental housing, urging stronger support for families transitioning to home ownership, better facilities for the elderly and co-tenants, and improved communication on schemes like the Lease Buyback Scheme.
There was a call for enhanced infrastructure resilience and climate change adaptation, including measures for rising sea levels, redevelopment of older estates, and ensuring equitable access to amenities across mature and new towns.
The Ministry outlined plans for a future-ready built environment, focusing on construction innovation, workforce transformation, and digitalisation, while addressing feedback on parking, upgrading programmes, and support for local contractors.

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5 Mar 2019

Plans for Unused Former Primary School, Ex-Neighbourhood Police Centre and Decommissioned Petrol Station in Woodlands Town

Ong Teng Koon asked why three former school, police centre, and petrol station sites in Woodlands have been vacant and what short-term plans or long-term redevelopment plans exist for them.
Lawrence Wong explained that such sites are returned to the State for interim uses compatible with the area until longer-term development is needed, noting the three sites were vacated between 2017 and 2018.
He added that URA is working with other agencies to explore suitable interim uses and review longer-term development plans for the sites.
These plans will be reflected in URA's Draft Master Plan 2019 for Woodlands, which will be exhibited to seek public comments soon.

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