Infrastructure & development — Topics

6 Aug 2018

Alternative Sites for Sea Burials

Leon Perera inquired if alternative sites to Tanah Merah would be studied for sea burials and if the environmental impact study findings would be published before a decision is made.
The National Environment Agency is developing a facility to support post-death rites and sea burials, with Tanah Merah proposed after consultations and due consideration of competing needs.
An environmental impact study is commissioned for completion by 2019, and feedback from stakeholders including the sailing fraternity is being considered before finalizing the site.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Aug 2018

Impact of Hyflux’s Debt and Business Reorganisation on Singapore's Water System and Water Security

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong questioned if Hyflux's debt and reorganisation would affect Singapore's water system and security.
The PUB confirmed that the SingSpring Desalination Plant is unaffected, while the Tuaspring plant continues to supply water despite being involved in Hyflux's restructuring.
PUB is monitoring the potential divestment of Tuaspring and requires approval for any changes, assuring that measures are in place to maintain operations and water security.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Aug 2018

Singapore's Efforts in Managing Climate Change

Singapore has established a Climate Action Plan and introduced a carbon tax starting in 2019 to incentivize emissions reduction and energy efficiency.
The government is enhancing climate resilience through new desalination plants and heat injury guidelines for at-risk groups, while designating 2018 as the Year of Climate Action to encourage public participation.
Given a 60-70% chance of a weak El Niño developing late in 2018, officials expect minimal impact on rainfall due to its weak intensity and timing, with continued monitoring and alerts in place.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Aug 2018

Preserving Farrer Park Field and Adjoining Facilities for Sports Heritage

Melvin Yong asked whether the Ministry would preserve Farrer Park Field and adjoining facilities due to their rich sports heritage rather than converting them into residential development.
Lawrence Wong noted the historical significance of Farrer Park Field and adjacent sports facilities from the 1930s–1950s, which served as training grounds for local athletes but have since seen reduced use with newer venues built.
He explained that the area is now considered suitable for housing due to its city proximity and transit access, with current plans to develop it for housing and community facilities including a park.
The Ministry will incorporate elements of the area’s sports heritage into future plans and seek feedback from stakeholders and community partners during detailed planning.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Aug 2018

Update on Construction of Pedestrian Overhead Bridge Lifts in Toa Payoh East-Novena

Saktiandi Supaat requested an update on the construction of pedestrian overhead bridge lifts in Toa Payoh East-Novena and asked if a lift could be prioritized for the bridge at 308 Thomson Road.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the Land Transport Authority is retrofitting pedestrian overhead bridges near public transport nodes with lifts, prioritizing those used by many less ambulant pedestrians, with 47 sites to be completed by year-end including one near Block 26 Toa Payoh Lorong 6.
For the bridge at 308 Thomson Road, LTA is studying barrier-free crossing options, including a lift, amid major works for the North-South Corridor, and will engage stakeholders in mid-2019 after preliminary findings are ready.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Aug 2018

Design of Lift Lobbies at BTO Blocks Traps Rain

Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for National Development to address the issue of BTO block lift lobbies and walkways being drenched during rain.
Lawrence Wong explained that HDB’s open-concept design for lift lobbies and common corridors promotes natural lighting and ventilation but can lead to splashing during heavy downpours.
HDB uses extended overhangs and graded floors with scupper drains to manage water flow, and may install rain screens based on feedback, though not universally due to ventilation and fire safety requirements.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Aug 2018

Barring Companies with Safety Lapses from Public Project Tenders for Longer Duration

Dennis Tan asked if contractors with safety lapses or blacklisted by the Ministry of Manpower could be barred from public project tenders for longer to enforce safety standards.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the Standing Committee on Debarment decides on debarment cases, including for safety reasons, with the duration based on severity.
For land transport projects, the Land Transport Authority follows the government-wide debarment framework and also scrutinizes safety records to disqualify bids from contractors with poor performance.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Jul 2018

Denial of Lift Upgrading due to Funding Limit

Mr Png Eng Huat asked for an update on HDB blocks denied lift upgrading due to funding caps and whether residents could co-share costs beyond the cap.
The Second Minister for National Development explained that only about 150 blocks remain without lift access, with 70% ineligible due to prohibitive costs exceeding $100,000 per unit, and co-sharing may cause financial hardship.
Mr Png suggested bundling these blocks into a new tender for economies of scale, but the Minister responded that severe site constraints and excessively high costs prevent them from qualifying under the main programme.
The Minister emphasized that HDB continues to explore technical solutions and offers case-by-case assistance for residents with urgent needs, such as medical conditions or disabilities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Jul 2018

Measures to Reduce Traffic Accidents Involving Animals in Mandai Area

Louis Ng asked about measures to reduce roadkill in Mandai, their applicability to other nature reserve construction sites, and the completion timeline for Mandai Road hoardings.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary replied that the private developer Mandai Park Development is responsible for mitigation measures, including hoardings, rope bridges, and speed reductions, with discussions ongoing for additional measures.
Louis Ng raised follow-up questions on why an eco-link was not previously built, government oversight of the measures, and penalties for non-compliance, to which the reply noted an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan is monitored by an advisory panel and that no penalties exist but plans can be modified as needed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Jul 2018

Anticipated Changes in Timeline and Planning for Jurong Lake District

Leon Perera inquired about potential changes to the Jurong Lake District's timeline and planning due to major delays, route alterations, or cancellation of the High-Speed Rail project.
The Minister responded that no official notification from Malaysia on the HSR status has been received, but any changes will be carefully studied for implications.
Despite possible adjustments, major changes to the Jurong Lake District's overall plans are not expected, as the district's plans were formulated in 2008 before the HSR project.
The existing plans for commercial and residential developments, upgrading of Jurong Lake Gardens, and building a transport hub remain relevant and will proceed when ready.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Jul 2018

Update on Current Status of Malaysia-Singapore High-Speed Rail Project

The Malaysia-Singapore High-Speed Rail project is currently postponed, with Singapore awaiting a more definite conclusion from Malaysia.
Singapore is incurring costs related to project preparatory works and contractual obligations during the postponement period.
Local companies and employees involved in the project are facing uncertainty and potential disruptions due to the postponement.
The Ministry of Transport is engaging with Malaysia and taking steps to protect Singapore's interests while working towards a favourable outcome.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Jul 2018

Projects Undertaken by PIE Viaduct Collapse Contractor

Miss Cheng Li Hui inquired about the number of projects undertaken by Or Kim Peow Contractors, safety measures in place, the need for stronger supervision, follow-up actions with implicated consultancy firms, and how the Ministry ensures responsible performance by these firms.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that LTA mutually terminated the TPE-PIE Changi Viaduct contract with Or Kim Peow Contractors, appointed an independent engineer to assess structural safety, and will demolish unsafe structures.
Or Kim Peow Contractors has two other LTA contracts for covered linkways, with increased inspections showing no safety non-compliance, and LTA ensures compliance through site supervisors, regular inspections, and training dialogues.
The implicated consultancy firms will be replaced, and their consultants face legal charges under the Building Control Act and Workplace Safety and Health Act, with LTA assessing past performance in future tenders.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Jul 2018

Proposal for MRT stations for Cross Island Line at Fernvale, Sengkang, Hougang and Buangkok

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether the Land Transport Authority has completed its study for new Cross Island Line stations in Fernvale, Sengkang, Hougang, and Buangkok.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that engineering studies for the Cross Island Line are still ongoing.
The Land Transport Authority considers land use plans, transport needs, and construction safety when deciding station locations.
Station locations will be announced after the engineering studies are completed.
The minister did not confirm specific stations but emphasized the ongoing evaluation process.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Jul 2018

Evaluation of Public Construction Work Tenders after Incidence of PIE Viaduct Collapse

The Ministry evaluates construction tenders using the Price Quality Method, with non-price criteria such as design quality and safety accounting for 30% to 50% of the weight, depending on project complexity.
Multiple layers of checks are in place, including design reviews by a Qualified Person and Accredited Checker, sampling checks by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), and targeted inspections during construction.
To prevent unauthorized works, BCA conducts enforcement actions against parties who contravene regulations, and all structural works must be certified by the Qualified Person and builder upon completion.
The procurement framework aims to ensure fair, transparent, and competitive evaluation of tenders while incorporating quality and safety considerations for public construction projects.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Jul 2018

Remedial Steps to Improve Workplace Safety by PIE Viaduct Collapse Contractor

Miss Cheng Li Hui questioned whether Or Kim Peow Contractors (OKP) has taken remedial steps to improve workplace safety, if it remains under the Business Under Surveillance (BUS) programme, and if all its worksites have been inspected for systemic safety failures following the July 2017 incident.
Mrs Josephine Teo confirmed that OKP has been under BUS monitoring since July 2017, has developed an action plan, and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is working with OKP to monitor its implementation.
MOM inspected all OKP worksites after the 2017 accident and will continue inspections under the BUS programme.
Due to ongoing legal charges against OKP under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, the Ministry cannot comment on whether the incident reflects systemic safety failures or a deterioration in standards.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Jul 2018

Review of Regulations to Protect Wild Animals near Places, such as Construction Sites

Ms Rahayu Mahzam called for a review of regulations to protect wild animals near construction sites, including mandatory measures to safeguard displaced animals and speed limits or penalties around large-scale construction areas.
Lawrence Wong emphasized the importance of biodiversity in Singapore’s City-In-A-Garden vision and explained that developers near nature reserves must assess impacts and propose mitigation measures, which are evaluated by government agencies.
He noted that site-specific measures like speed humps and road signs may be required, and that agencies are working to include wildlife crossing awareness in driver education to encourage caution.
The government continues to partner with developers and nature groups to enhance wildlife protection around development sites, with flexibility to adjust mitigation plans if needed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jul 2018

Infrastructure Support to Ensure Uninterrupted Business Transactions and Daily Digital Operations

The government highlighted that SP Power Grid employs a comprehensive maintenance and redundancy regime for the power system, achieving high reliability with minimal annual disruption per consumer compared to other major cities.
For telecommunication infrastructure, the Ministry of Communications and Information and IMDA enforce codes of practice, regular resilience exercises, and legal measures to mitigate risks like cable cuts, with penalties to incentivize quick service restoration.
Skillsets and standard operating procedures are emphasized through training and strict adherence to protocols for workers, with continuous dialogue and enforcement actions to prevent incidents like power outages or service disruptions.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jul 2018

Plans for Polyclinic within MRT Station in Vicinity of Potong Pasir

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Health about plans for a polyclinic within one MRT station from Potong Pasir.
The Ministry of Health is developing a new Kallang Polyclinic in the Kallang-Balestier area.
The new polyclinic will be located next to Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital.
It will be within walking distance from Boon Keng MRT station.
The location is one MRT stop away from Potong Pasir MRT station.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jul 2018

Rectification Works for Faulty Construction of Viaduct Structure Linking PIE and TPE at Upper Changi Road East

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if Or Kim Peow Contractors will bear the cost and responsibility for rectification works and additional expenses for the faulty viaduct linking PIE and TPE at Upper Changi Road East.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed LTA has terminated the contract with Or Kim Peow Construction and will recover appropriate costs from them.
LTA will appoint a new contractor to complete the viaduct construction and rectify any unsafe structures, with the project timeline to be reviewed after awarding the new contract.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jul 2018

Construction of Longer Tunnels for Residents to Nearest MRT Stations

Lim Biow Chuan asked if longer tunnels could be built to provide better sheltered links for residents to nearest MRT stations
Khaw Boon Wan said underground tunnels are much costlier and more disruptive than at-grade sheltered walkways, especially in mature estates
At-grade sheltered walkways are more inclusive as they cover all footpath users, not just commuters
The Walk2Ride programme will complete over 200 kilometres of at-grade sheltered walkways by year-end
The government prefers at-grade solutions over tunnels due to cost, disruption, and inclusivity considerations

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source