1,833 debates and bills about infrastructure & development
Singapore must develop a low-altitude economy with eVTOLs and drones, focusing on cross-border mobility and logistics. Government, industry, and academia should collaborate on talent, infrastructure, and innovation. A national strategy is needed to overcome airspace and safety constraints.
Mr Lam questioned the criteria for upgrading zebra crossings and factoring elderly density. Mr Siow responded that conversions are assessed holistically based on traffic, road width, and elderly proportion, with Silver Zones and Friendly Streets providing signalised crossings with longer times in high-elderly estates, expanding to all HDB towns by 2030.
The government coordinates planning to minimize congestion and disamenities, with JTC and LTA conducting impact assessments. No new industrial estates are planned for Loyang and Changi North. Future planning will review buffer zones and land use strategies to protect residents' liveability amid industrial expansion.
The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms. Grace Fu Hai Yien, described "Transiently Floodable Areas (Coastal)" during the Second Reading of the Coastal Protection and Other Amendments Bill, which are defined by an Absolute Protection Boundary landward and a Protection Boundary seaward. A correction was issued indicating that these areas need protection against permanent flooding but not against transient coastal flooding.
Yip Hon Weng asked the Acting Minister for Transport about feedback and compensation claims from property owners in Yio Chu Kang related to damages from North-South Corridor construction. Jeffrey Siow reported that the Land Transport Authority received 19 claims in the last 24 months, with 18 deemed not caused by the construction and one still under assessment. The resolution time for each case varies based on its complexity, as it involves detailed site inspections.
Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat questioned the Acting Minister for Transport about unauthorized works on LTA-managed state land in front of private properties, seeking statistics on reports received, enforcement actions taken, and LTA's policy on modifications by property owners. Jeffrey Siow reported that there were about 25 reports in the past three years, with four cases rectified by owners; the remaining cases are pending resolution. For unauthorized works that impact safety and connectivity, property owners are mandated to restore the affected areas at their own expense.
Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik raised a question about whether the Ministry of National Development is reviewing bicycle parking capacity standards in HDB estates, considering personal and shared bicycles. Chee Hong Tat explained that since 2014, HDB has provided dedicated bicycle parking in new Build-To-Order projects, with a current standard of one bicycle lot for every six dwelling units. For older estates, this provision was updated in 2019 where feasible. HDB is collaborating with Town Councils to identify locations for additional bicycle racks where demand exists. The Land Transport Authority is also working with HDB to enhance designated parking spaces for shared bicycles.
Charlene Chen questioned the Acting Minister for Transport about balancing night-time lighting needs with tree canopy preservation on shared paths for pedestrians, cyclists, and mobility aid users. Jeffrey Siow responded that lighting at conflict areas, like sharp bends and intersections, must be twice as bright as standard cycling paths. Additional safety features, including "SLOW" markings and speed regulatory strips, promote cautious behavior among users. Guidelines exist to ensure that street plantings do not obstruct lighting for cycling paths.
Charlene Chen asked if the Ministry of Transport would consider piloting alternative crossing designs, like pedestrian scramble crossings, at busy intersections and if existing crossing standards are being reviewed for pedestrian and active mobility interactions. Jeffrey Siow responded that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) tests alternative crossing designs when appropriate, citing a successful example at Robinson Road/Boon Tat Street. He acknowledged limited opportunities for such implementations but noted efforts to widen crossings to accommodate both pedestrians and active mobility users in specific areas.
The Coastal Protection Bill was introduced to establish a framework for safeguarding Singapore against rising sea levels, projected to rise by up to 1.15 meters by 2100. The Bill designates the Public Utilities Board (PUB) as the primary agency responsible for coastal protection efforts, including defining boundaries for areas requiring protection. The responsibility for implementing coastal protection measures largely falls on landowners, who must ensure their measures are effective and connected to adjacent properties to create a continuous line of defence. The government will provide grants and technical assistance to support landowners in fulfilling these obligations, particularly as they navigate the financial burdens associated with construction and maintenance. Ongoing engagement with stakeholders, as well as environmental considerations, will play a critical role in shaping effective coastal management strategies.
Gerald Giam Yean Song raised concerns about the Circle Line tunnel reinforcement works, asking for the current percentage of steel rings installed and whether any issues had been encountered. The Acting Minister for Transport, Jeffrey Siow, confirmed that about 50% of the steel rings had been installed and assured that the project remains on schedule for completion by April 19, 2026, with safety as a priority. Giam inquired about the possibility of expediting the timeline to reduce commuter delays and whether fare rebates could be offered to affected passengers. Siow stated that the complexity of the works makes early completion unlikely and emphasized that while travel adjustments are necessary, the provision of alternatives minimizes inconvenience without plans for fare rebates during maintenance works.
Lee Hong Chuang asked about how the Ministry of National Development plans to balance accelerated construction of BTO flats in 2026 with rising costs of materials and labor. Chee Hong Tat explained that the Housing and Development Board considers various factors, including demand and construction capacity, when determining flat supply. The shorter waiting times for SWT flats are achieved by initiating development processes earlier while maintaining safety and quality standards. The Ministry is also collaborating with industry partners to improve productivity in the Built Environment sector to reduce time, costs, and manpower needs.
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