Infrastructure & development

• Murali Pillai proposed converting vacant former school compounds into retirement villages or assisted living facilities to avoid the high capital costs of building new facilities.
• Lawrence Wong confirmed that the Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Health are jointly studying such conversions, noting potential benefits like community integration and large-site capacity, but also acknowledging costs for rejuvenating old school properties.
• Both ministries are examining various models for senior housing to meet elderly needs and plan to share further details once ready.

• Lim Biow Chuan asked whether a traffic impact assessment was conducted before setting up the construction staging ground at Marina East and when it will be relocated.
• Lawrence Wong confirmed a joint Traffic Impact Assessment was carried out in 2016 for staging grounds in the East Coast/Marina Bay area, with measures like queue bays and traffic control plans to minimise disruption.
• The staging ground supports LTA’s rail and road projects; its future use will be reviewed upon project completion and in line with future development plans for the area.

• The investigation into the viaduct collapse at Upper Changi Road East has been completed by the Ministry of Manpower, Building and Construction Authority, and Singapore Police Force, leading to charges filed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers, while the Land Transport Authority (LTA) commissioned an independent engineer to investigate the cause.
• LTA has mutually terminated its contract with Or Kim Peow Contractors and plans to engage a new contractor to demolish unsafe structures and complete the viaduct, with the project timeline to be reviewed after awarding the new contract.
• LTA will enhance workplace safety by appointing site supervisors, conducting monthly and ad hoc inspections, and holding regular dialogues and safety training with contractors’ management and staff.

• Minister Lawrence Wong explained that Singapore has 42,280 heavy vehicle parking spaces, exceeding the number of registered heavy vehicles, with about 30,000 located near residential estates, though safety, noise, and land use concerns make it difficult to continue providing such spaces in housing areas.
• When public heavy vehicle parking spaces in residential estates are phased out due to development, they will be replaced with spaces in industrial sites sold through the Government Land Sales programme, and business owners should coordinate transport options for drivers.
• In Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency, there are 1,246 heavy vehicle parking spaces, of which 845 are public, all fully subscribed, with about 370 applicants on the waitlist.

• Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Law how many Temporary Occupation Licences (TOLs) were issued for commercial plant operations in the East Coast/Marina Bay area, their purpose, and whether traffic or environmental impact assessments were conducted.
• As of 31 May 2018, 13 TOLs were issued, mainly for concrete batching plants to support public infrastructure projects like the Thomson-East Coast Line and North-South Corridor.
• The Singapore Land Authority, with LTA and NEA, assesses TOL applications considering project need, traffic, environmental impact, and alternative sites; mitigation measures like buffers and traffic signals are implemented.
• Monthly stakeholder meetings are held to address issues, warning letters are issued for non-compliance, and TOLs may be rescinded for recalcitrant operators.

• The Minister clarified that PUB’s $5.3 billion Capital Reserve is not surplus cash but is already invested in water infrastructure assets like plants and pipelines, and PUB has borrowed to fund further investments.
• PUB will invest $4 billion in water infrastructure from FY2017 to FY2021 and more beyond, funded through a mix of accumulated surpluses, borrowings, and government grants for drainage and sewage systems.
• The government finances part of the water system via grants to ease consumer burden, while water tariffs cover operational costs, but PUB’s Capital Reserve does not represent idle funds available for price reductions.

• The Minister confirmed that plans for Jurong Lake District were developed before the High Speed Rail proposal and include commercial, housing, and transport upgrades that remain valid despite the project's cancellation.
• The government has acquired land for Jurong Country Club and Raffles Country Club sites to support mixed-use developments, community facilities, and the Cross Island Line’s depot, with these needs unchanged by the HSR decision.
• The Minister stated that while specific details and timelines may need adjustments if the HSR is cancelled, the overall vision and impetus for developing Jurong Lake District as an urban centre will proceed.
• In response to a clarification, the Minister acknowledged that the cancellation could affect staging and timing of surrounding areas but emphasized that exact impacts are being monitored and will be addressed as needed.

• The Second Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong emphasized that Singapore has not received official confirmation from Malaysia on the HSR project's status and will continue to meet legal obligations, with potential compensation if terminated, but noted the GST increase is unrelated to HSR and driven by structural spending needs like healthcare.
• Wong explained that infrastructure projects like HSR are financed through borrowing or dedicated funds, not recurrent revenues, and revealing costs before tender completion is avoided to prevent impacting bidding strategies.
• In response to Pritam Singh’s query on Net Investment Returns Contribution (NIRC), Wong clarified that NIRC is a separate budget revenue source and not tied to HSR financing, with expenditures rising regardless due to ageing population and social spending.

• Malaysian leaders have indicated they may terminate the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project, but Singapore has not received an official notice, leaving Singapore to continue incurring costs under the binding bilateral agreement.
• Singapore has already spent over S$250 million on the HSR project, with ongoing monthly expenses of over S$6 million, and expects to spend at least S$40 million more by end-2018 if the project is delayed.
• The Minister emphasized that if Malaysia terminates the project, Singapore would seek compensation for incurred costs in accordance with the bilateral agreement and international law, not as a penalty but for actual expenditures.
• Regarding the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, Malaysia has not officially confirmed its intentions, but the project’s joint venture company deadline was missed, potentially requiring an open tender.
• Singapore continues to press Malaysia for official clarification on both projects to minimize wasted expenses and allow bidders and stakeholders to make informed decisions.

• LTA evaluated non-LRT options like buses on existing roads or viaducts but found them infeasible due to severe congestion and the need for extensive civil works, leading to the decision to renew the Bukit Panjang LRT system with Bombardier.
• The renewal will address past breakdowns by introducing wireless CBTC signaling, enhanced traction power systems, and new trains with AC propulsion, aiming for smoother rides by 2022 and full completion by 2024.
• Despite the timeline, the Minister committed to intensifying maintenance now and exploring ways to accelerate train deliveries, while noting long-term car-lite visions may allow alternative uses for the viaducts in the future.

• Mr Ganesh Rajaram asked whether the Ministry has studied the impact of numerous heavy construction projects and redevelopment works on Singapore's infrastructure and what measures are in place to mitigate inconvenience.
• The Minister for National Development stated that agencies assess the cumulative impact of multiple projects and impose noise limits and mitigation measures under environmental laws.
• For large projects, transport impact assessments are required to address traffic disruptions, and enforcement actions, including stop-work orders, are taken against violators.

• Several MPs called for greater trust in the 4G leadership and among Singaporeans, emphasizing that trust is the foundation for partnership and unity in facing future challenges.
• The debate highlighted the need to adapt to a changing world, with suggestions for pro-business regulatory reforms, support for SMEs, and balancing economic growth with social inclusion.
• Housing policies, including lease decay, elderly-friendly design, and affordability, were central concerns, with calls for clearer long-term plans and more support for vulnerable groups.
• MPs urged the government to be more consultative and responsive, addressing inequality, improving social mobility, and ensuring policies are fair and just for all citizens.
• The future of Singapore was framed as requiring bold, collective efforts in urban planning, infrastructure, and social compact, with an emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and resilience.

• The Ministry will strengthen climate action through global advocacy, a 2019 carbon tax, and investments in climate-resilient infrastructure like stormwater management and diversified water supply.
• Singapore aims to become a Zero Waste nation by promoting a circular economy, implementing Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks, and developing integrated waste and water facilities to reduce emissions.
• The government will lead technological innovation in environmental services, such as smart water grids and automated waste systems, to enhance resource efficiency and create green jobs.
• Community engagement is prioritized to foster environmental responsibility, with initiatives like the Sustainable Singapore movement and enhancements to hawker centres to preserve cultural and social bonds.
• Through the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters programme, Singapore will integrate blue and green spaces to improve liveability, while continuing to safeguard public health with a strong regulatory regime.

• The Ministry will maintain a sustainable supply of affordable HDB flats, shorten waiting times for new builds, and launch a new "Forest Town" in Tengah with smart and eco-friendly features.
• There will be a focus on the housing needs of seniors, with new assisted living models and updated home improvement schemes, as well as support for vulnerable groups to aspire towards home ownership.
• Singapore's urban development will include more public and green spaces, support for local farming to enhance food security, and a transformation of the construction industry to raise productivity.
• Major infrastructure projects like Changi Terminal 5 and new connections to Malaysia will be developed to strengthen Singapore's status as a regional and international hub.
• The Ministry aims to create a more liveable and inclusive city by expanding green corridors, developing new regional centres, and partnering the community to shape a better Singapore for future generations.

• The Ministry of Transport will strengthen Singapore’s global connectivity by expanding Changi Airport and Tuas Port, and building new regional links like the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail and Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link to support economic growth and job creation.
• Enhancements to domestic transport include expanding the rail network by 130 km by 2030, improving rail reliability, and developing cycling networks and bike parking in all HDB towns, alongside licensing frameworks for shared mobility services.
• The ministry is advancing sustainability and innovation through electric car sharing, hybrid and electric buses, digitalisation of services, and the use of data analytics and AI to improve transport efficiency, safety, and user experience.
• Efforts to support diverse mobility needs include making public buses wheelchair-accessible by 2020, creating more Silver Zones, and developing assistive technologies for commuters with special needs in collaboration with industry and community partners.

• President Halimah Yacob highlighted Singapore’s stable economic growth, infrastructure upgrades including new MRT lines and housing units, and progress in building a caring, inclusive society through education and social support schemes.
• She identified key challenges such as shifting global economic power, regional tensions including terrorism and US-China relations, and domestic issues like aging demographics, income inequality, and social cohesion.
• The President outlined four national priorities: securing Singapore’s global position through strong defense and partnerships; developing a world-class, sustainable city; fostering a dynamic economy with lifelong learning and innovation; and building a fair, compassionate society where no one is left behind.
• Emphasis was placed on the emerging fourth-generation leadership to drive nation-building, uphold core values, and engage young Singaporeans to navigate future uncertainties and continue the country’s progress.

The Bill introduces a licensing regime for dockless vehicle-sharing operators to curb indiscriminate parking of shared bicycles and active mobility devices, empowering the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to manage fleet sizes, set performance standards, and impose penalties on non-compliant operators.
It also updates parking provision rules for private developments, allowing LTA to set a range of parking lot requirements to better support car-lite goals and free up land for other uses like housing and schools.
The amendments include enabling collective bans on users who repeatedly park irresponsibly, enhancing data sharing for enforcement, and improving operational efficiency for HDB and URA car parks.

• Liang Eng Hwa asked for the latest public transport mode share for Bukit Panjang Town and the figure before Downtown Line 2 opened
• Khaw Boon Wan stated that peak period public transport mode share rose from 56% to 58% after Downtown Line 2 opened in December 2015
• The figures are based on Household Interview Travel Surveys from 2012/2013 and 2016/2017

• The Common Services Tunnels Bill introduces legislation to regulate the safe and efficient operation of underground tunnels that house multiple utilities, starting with the existing Marina Bay tunnel, to reduce road disruptions and optimize urban space.
• The Bill mandates that utilities in designated CST areas must be laid within the tunnels, grants authorized persons access for maintenance, and requires building owners to maintain ancillary structures, while establishing penalties for violations.
• During the debate, a Member of Parliament raised questions about the high costs, construction challenges, and future potential of CSTs in new developments, with the Minister responding that the Bill codifies existing practices and that CSTs may be considered for areas like Jurong Lake District and Changi Airport Terminal 5 after further study.

• The Aviation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill seeks to amend the Air Navigation Act and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore Act to support the growth, safety, and financial sustainability of Singapore’s aviation sector, including enabling compliance with international carbon offsetting schemes and enhancing aviation safety and security.
• Key provisions include establishing an Airport Development Levy and a reserve fund to finance Changi Airport’s expansion, particularly Terminal 5, while also introducing an airport capacity management scheme to penalize slot misuse and improve operational efficiency.
• The Bill also expands security definitions, grants powers for managing unauthorised drone activities, and enhances airport by-law enforcement, though MPs raised concerns about environmental impacts and the competitive effects of new levies.