Infrastructure & development — Topics

6 Feb 2018

Public Transport Network Improvements with Development of Punggol Digital District

The Land Transport Authority is introducing a new North-East Line MRT station in 2023, expanding expressways, and adding covered walkways and cycling paths to serve the Punggol Digital District.
Autonomous buses and shuttles will be deployed within the district from 2022 to improve first-mile and last-mile connectivity, with potential future island-wide expansion.
The Cross Island MRT Line is planned for the Punggol region by 2030, though no exact commuter numbers or transport mix for the district have been confirmed yet.
The government is working with other agencies to study demand and ensure connectivity while addressing potential workforce impacts from autonomous vehicles.

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6 Feb 2018

Rationale for Newer Property Developments in Collective Sales

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired about imposing a minimum age for developments to qualify for collective sales, the number of such sales for developments under 30 years old in the past three years, and whether the Ministry views this as a waste of resources.
The Minister for National Development explained that the collective sales framework aims to allow owners to choose redevelopment for rejuvenation, with higher consent thresholds for newer buildings—90% for those under 10 years old versus 80% for older ones.
In the past three years, 13 out of 40 En bloc sales involved developments less than 30 years old, accounting for about 6% of units sold, with most being small developments over 20 years old.
The Minister emphasized that En bloc decisions are market-driven under the existing framework, with safeguards such as URA approval for development plans, traffic impact analyses, and compliance with regulations on height, unit size, and parking.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah expressed concern over the continuous En bloc sales, and the Minister responded that the framework balances market viability with controls to ensure proper planning and oversight.

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6 Feb 2018

Cost Efficiency of Large Infrastructure Projects

The Singapore government has comprehensive measures to ensure cost efficiency in large infrastructure projects, including scrutiny by the Ministry of Finance and the Centre for Public Project Management for projects over $100 million, and a rigorous Gateway Process for projects above $500 million.
Project approvals require multiple stages of review by panels like the Development Projects Advisory Panel to optimize design and value-for-money, with examples such as reusing materials at Tuas Terminal saving hundreds of millions.
After approval, competitive tenders and robust cost-benefit assessments are used, and re-approval is mandated for significant scope or cost changes, with justifications scrutinized by the Ministry of Finance.
Public tracking of annual expenditures for mega projects is available through yearly Budget Books for relevant ministries, but long-term projections are not provided, with spending spread over time.
The government is studying optimal funding models for mega projects, including lifetime maintenance costs, and does not commit to a single approach, aiming to balance immediate and future financial burdens.

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5 Feb 2018

Update on Building of New Hawker Centre in Choa Chu Kang and All Other Proposed New Hawker Centres

The government has committed to building 20 new hawker centres by 2027, focusing on new HDB towns like Punggol, Bidadari, Sengkang, and Choa Chu Kang, with 17 already announced and seven operational.
A new hawker centre in Choa Chu Kang is among the remaining projects at various stages of planning and development, with location and timeline details to be announced once ready.
The Ministry will complete its study and announce the timeline for all remaining hawker centres as soon as planning is finalized.

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5 Feb 2018

Cost of Lift Upgrading Programme for Hougang SMC

Png Eng Huat asked for the total cost of the Lift Upgrading Programme in Hougang SMC, excluding resident and Town Council contributions, and the amount paid by residents.
Lawrence Wong stated the programme, launched in 2001, subsidises 75% to 90% of costs based on flat type, aiming to improve access for elderly and less mobile residents.
For Hougang, completed LUP works cost about $77 million, with the government covering around $64 million, while households pay 5% to 12.5%, capped at $3,000 per household.

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5 Feb 2018

HDB Blocks Projected to be Redeveloped under Selective En-Bloc Redevelopment Scheme over Next 10-20 Years

Pritam Singh questioned the Minister for National Development on the number of HDB blocks projected for redevelopment under the Selective En-Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) over the next 10-20 years, noting that many flats will have less than 60 years left on their leases.
Lawrence Wong explained that SERS is implemented on a highly selective basis, with the Government announcing suitable precincts only after a site-by-site evaluation considering factors like redevelopment potential and financial resources.
The Minister stated that the Government does not disclose specific blocks or related information ahead of SERS exercises due to market-sensitive concerns.

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5 Feb 2018

Update on Protection of Public Spaces against Terrorist Incidents Using Vehicles

The Ministry of Home Affairs is enhancing security in public spaces with a risk-based approach, balancing safety, cost, and public convenience, including deploying anti-hostile vehicle measures like barriers and bollards in Orchard Road with more planned.
Commercial operators contribute through the Infrastructure Protection Act, which requires security-by-design for large or iconic buildings, and they receive guidance from police engagements and MHA guidelines to mitigate vehicle threats.
Future plans involve integrating security into the design of new public spaces and retrofitting existing ones during major renovations, with ongoing consultations with business associations to ensure viability.

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5 Feb 2018

Update on Road-widening Works along Clementi Road between Jalan Anak Bukit and Ayer Rajah Expressway

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Transport about the completion timeline for major road-widening works on Clementi Road between Jalan Anak Bukit and the Ayer Rajah Expressway.
The Minister replied that the first phase between Jalan Anak Bukit and Ulu Pandan Road was completed in December.
The second phase between Commonwealth Avenue West and the Ayer Rajah Expressway will be finished later this month.
The final phase between Ulu Pandan Road and Commonwealth Avenue West is scheduled for completion by March 2018.
All updates clarify the phased completion schedule for the overall road-widening project.

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5 Feb 2018

Promoting Development of Retirement Villages in Singapore

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong queried whether the Government has studied retirement village models, their suitability for future ageing cohorts, and how land regulations could be adjusted to promote such developments.
Lawrence Wong confirmed that the Ministry of Health and Ministry of National Development have studied retirement village models from countries like Australia, the US, Hong Kong, and Japan, but emphasized the need to adapt them to Singapore’s context.
He noted that many seniors prefer to age in place, leading the Government to focus on integrating eldercare facilities and services within public housing, as exemplified by Kampung Admiralty’s Active Ageing Hub.
The Government is reviewing Development Control guidelines to clarify retirement housing developments and expand housing options for seniors in both public and private sectors.
More plans will be shared in consultation with community partners and the real estate industry when ready.

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5 Feb 2018

Managing Number of Heavy Vehicle along Fort Road

Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Transport about plans to manage the large number of heavy vehicles on Fort Road and measures to improve safety for other road users.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that most heavy vehicles on Fort Road serve construction sites for the Thomson-East Coast Line and Marina East Staging Ground, transporting excavated materials to barges for reuse or offshore disposal.
The Land Transport Authority works with developers and contractors to implement traffic control plans that manage vehicle timing and routes to avoid peak hours and residential areas, along with signs, monitoring, surveillance cameras, and enforcement officers.
LTA engages residents, grassroots leaders, and community advisors to gather feedback and keep them informed about traffic conditions.

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5 Feb 2018

Proposal for More Bus Stops with Cantilever Shelters

Chong Kee Hiong asked the Minister for Transport about the current percentage of bus stops with cantilever shelters and whether the Ministry would build more to protect passengers from rain.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that only 74 out of 4,900 bus stops have cantilever shelters, noting that building them everywhere is not cost-effective.
Priority is given to heavily used bus stops, especially those connected to MRT stations, where over a quarter already have such shelters.
The Ministry plans to build more cantilever shelters at busy bus stops where space permits.
The response emphasizes a targeted approach rather than a blanket expansion of cantilever shelters.

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5 Feb 2018

Mitigating Waterfall Effect Due to Roof Structures on Sheltered Walkways outside Buildings

Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will redesign roof structures on sheltered walkways outside buildings to reduce the waterfall effect during heavy rain and strong winds.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that sheltered walkways are designed to provide cover while allowing light and ventilation, with considerations for functionality and maintenance, such as effective width-to-height ratios and roof slopes.
HDB's sheltered walkways are designed to be self-cleansing and avoid gutters to prevent debris buildup and mosquito breeding, using roof slopes to direct water away from pedestrian areas.
Recent designs by HDB and LTA feature sloped roofs to one side to ensure rainwater discharge occurs where pedestrians are less likely to cross.
The relevant agencies will consider the feedback and continue studying how to improve infrastructure designs.

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5 Feb 2018

Issuance of Government Bonds to Fund Mega Infrastructure Projects

Ms Sun Xueling asked if the government will consider using bonds to fund major projects like Changi Airport Terminal 5 and Tuas Mega Port.
Heng Swee Keat confirmed that statutory boards and government companies already use bond financing for infrastructure, such as housing, rail, and water projects.
Bond financing helps spread capital costs over time but requires careful consideration of interest costs and future revenue streams to service debt.
The government will assess bond financing for upcoming mega projects while ensuring fiscal sustainability.

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5 Feb 2018

Recent Flash Floods and Adequacy of Drainage System

Multiple MPs raised concerns about the causes, prevention, and public alerts for flash floods, particularly referencing the intense rainfall on 8 January 2018, with questions on drainage capacity, design principles, and interim measures during upgrades.
The Minister explained that the floods resulted from extreme rainfall exceeding drain capacities, with eight locations being low-lying and two having flood histories; drainage works did not cause the floods, except for a contractor obstruction at Tampines Avenue 12.
PUB has raised drainage design standards since 2011 to handle 45% higher rainfall, invested $1.2 billion in improvements at 327 locations, and uses a "source-pathway-receptor" approach including detention tanks and building regulations to manage flood risks.
Non-structural measures include regular drain maintenance, public alerts via SMS and apps, and collaboration with agencies for traffic diversion, but complete flood elimination is infeasible due to land and cost constraints, especially with climate change increasing rainfall intensity.
Oversight of developers and contractors is enforced through required drainage plans and legal action for non-compliance, as seen in the Tampines case, to prevent drain obstructions and ensure public safety.

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10 Jan 2018

Cumulative Noise from Successive Developments under Construction

Dr Tan Wu Meng questioned whether the planning of land development considers the cumulative noise impact on residents from successive nearby construction projects and what measures exist to minimise noise in developments near residential areas.
The Minister for National Development confirmed that agencies account for construction noise impacts, especially in rapidly developing areas, and highlighted measures such as staggering noisy activities, using quieter equipment, imposing noise limits, and enforcing a "no-work rule" on Sundays and public holidays near residential sites.
Dr Tan Wu Meng’s follow-up question sought reassurance that agencies proactively minimise noise in mature estates, citing resident feedback about on-site debris breaking causing disamenities.
The Minister responded that agencies already manage project tempo and on-site activities, comply with noise limits, and support quieter construction methods through initiatives like the NEA’s Quieter Construction Fund.

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10 Jan 2018

Methods to Evaluate Contractors who Bid for Green Building Contracts

The Ministry for National Development outlined that green building projects are evaluated based on efficiency requirements, cost-effectiveness, and market-driven fees, with systems like the Centre for Public Project Management (CP2M) providing cost norms and design reviews to ensure value for money.
The Building Construction Authority (BCA) noted that Green Mark Platinum buildings may cost up to 5% more but offer energy and water savings with a payback period of three to six years, alongside health benefits for occupants.
The Minister emphasized the government's commitment to leading in environmental sustainability through initiatives like the Public Sector Taking the Lead in Environmental Sustainability (PSTLES), while acknowledging the need to assess technology maintainability and replacement parts over a building's lifecycle.

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10 Jan 2018

Coordination of Repair Works to Minimise Excavation of Roads

Mr Leon Perera questioned how agencies coordinate excavation works for utilities to minimise road digging and suggested tracking and publishing instances of repeated excavations within six months to measure coordination effectiveness.
Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained that the Road Opening Coordination Committee, chaired by the Land Transport Authority, schedules work plans to minimise inconvenience but cannot plan for emergency repairs like cable faults or gas leaks.
The Minister agreed to ask the committee to consider publishing indicators of coordination effectiveness, responding to Perera’s suggestion.

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10 Jan 2018

Annual Water Pipe Leaks in Last Decade

Over the last seven years, Singapore has experienced an average of about six leaks per 100 km of water pipes annually, a rate that has remained stable and is among the lowest globally.
The Public Utilities Board employs a comprehensive leak detection and pipe renewal program, including annual inspections, advanced monitoring tools, and increasing the length of pipes replaced each year to proactively manage leaks.
Leaks are primarily caused by corrosion, soil settlement, or construction damage, and PUB takes regulatory and financial actions against companies that damage pipes while ensuring quick repairs to minimize disruption.
In response to parliamentary questions, the Senior Minister of State noted that the leak incidence rate has not shown an increasing trend and indicated willingness to consider publishing annual leak data and exploring predictive models for leak anticipation.

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10 Jan 2018

Cost of Sensors for Detecting Water Leakages in Water Supply Pipelines

The cost of the 320 sensors and the entire sensor network system, developed with SMART, is about $9 million, with PUB planning to expand coverage to more pipelines, including NEWater and industrial ones, over the next two to three years.
The sensor network monitors water pressure, flow, and quality in real-time to aid leak detection and operations planning, complementing PUB’s annual physical checks and pipeline replacement program, which has resulted in one of the world’s lowest leak rates.
While evaluating other water loss measures like reservoir evaporation reduction, PUB found them cost-prohibitive due to repeated applications needed, so the focus remains on improving sensor technology and leak management to ensure continuous water supply.

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9 Jan 2018

Study on Noise Decibel Levels Caused by MRT Trains Passing Through Keat Hong Crest and Keat Hong Pride

Zaqy Mohamad inquired about noise decibel levels from MRT trains at Keat Hong Crest and Keat Hong Pride, whether they exceed the 65-decibel threshold, and the criteria for noise barrier installation.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that preliminary LTA findings show noise levels near the MRT lines are below the NEA's 67-decibel threshold, with an island-wide study planned.
LTA will prioritise noise barrier installation in areas where noise levels exceed 67 decibels averaged over an hour.

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