Infrastructure & development — Topics

4 Apr 2017

Noise Barriers for MRT Tracks at Khatib Station

The Minister confirmed that the tender for noise barriers at Khatib and other Phase 2 locations will be called within months, with installation starting around 2020 and completion by 2022, following a delay due to a review of Phase 1 results and coordination with other rail works.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah highlighted a previous timeline that was delayed from 2019 to 2022 and urged prioritizing Khatib due to residents' sleep disturbances from noise.
The Minister explained the delay was due to a budget review requiring Phase 2 to follow Phase 1 evaluation, and acknowledged the constituency's experience with similar Phase 2 delays.
Alex Yam noted that Phase 1 in Yew Tee remains incomplete due to higher barriers being deferred to Phase 2, leaving residents concerned about prolonged partial installation.
Both MPs emphasized the need for timely completion, and the Minister expressed sympathy and commitment to expedite the process.

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4 Apr 2017

Impact of Australia Government's Land Acquisition Policy Change on SAF Training Space

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned how the Australian government's change in land acquisition policy would affect SAF training space, whether Singapore would propose changes to the agreement, and if the A$2.25 billion spending would be reduced.
The Second Minister for Defence confirmed Australia's commitment to the 2016 CSP agreement, stating that training requirements for both Australian and Singaporean forces can still be met without compulsory land acquisition by optimizing existing areas and scheduling.
The Minister added that the costs for developing SAF training requirements remain within the original budget outlined in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement.

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4 Apr 2017

Investment in Infrastructure to Support Social and Economic Development as Population Ages

The government has adopted a whole-of-government approach through the Action Plan for Successful Ageing to support Singaporeans in an ageing society, overseen by a ministerial committee.
Investments include continuing education and training infrastructure, SkillsFuture initiatives, and the WorkPro scheme to keep older workers employable and support mid-career changes.
Infrastructure and programs for seniors’ social needs are being expanded, such as HDB’s housing options, Active Ageing Hubs, and enhanced home safety measures.
Healthcare and aged care infrastructure has been growing since 2012, with additional hospital beds, nursing home places, and community care facilities.
Efforts are also being made to make housing, transport, parks, and buildings senior-friendly, including barrier-free designs, accessibility funds, and therapeutic gardens.

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4 Apr 2017

Large Air-con Ledges and Balconies at Non-Landed Residential Properties

Ang Wei Neng questioned whether URA is reviewing rules that allow developers to build large air-con ledges and balconies without counting them as gross floor area, and if developers must state such outdoor spaces in floor plans during launches.
The Minister clarified that URA exempts narrow air-con ledges from gross floor area to encourage neat housing of condensers, but balconies are included in gross floor area and subject to development charges, with full pricing and area breakdowns already mandatory for buyers before purchase.
Ang Wei Neng highlighted concerns about the Balcony Bonus Gross Floor Area scheme leading to excessively large balconies that cause buyer dissatisfaction, urging regulation of balcony sizes.
The Minister emphasized that the bonus scheme aims to enhance building aesthetics and landscape, and stressed the importance of clear disclosure of balcony and usable space to help buyers make informed decisions.

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3 Apr 2017

Building a Wet Market and Hawker Centre at Upper Serangoon Crescent

Sylvia Lim asked whether the Government will build a wet market and hawker centre at Upper Serangoon Crescent due to new housing developments in the area.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that the National Environment Agency considers factors like existing facilities, land availability, and population when siting new hawker centres and markets.
He noted that there are already several eating establishments, wet markets, and hawker centres in the vicinity of Upper Serangoon Crescent.
He stated that there are no plans to build a new hawker centre or wet market at Upper Serangoon Crescent.
He added that the need for new hawker centres to serve new housing developments is reviewed regularly.

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3 Apr 2017

Baseline Functionalities in Design of HDB Estates

In new HDB estates, a network of covered linkways is provided to connect residential blocks with amenities, though the route may balance shelter with aesthetics rather than taking the most direct path.
HDB typically engages private consultants to design and supervise construction using the Quality-Fee Method, which prioritizes quality criteria like track record and design proposals over cost in tender evaluations.
HDB has a quality management system to ensure design compliance, including reviews and audits at various stages before construction, and collaborates with consultants and contractors to rectify any serious design shortfalls.

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3 Apr 2017

Personal Mobility Devices on Buses and Trains

Melvin Yong inquired about the permanency of allowing personal mobility devices on buses and trains, cases of denied access, and improvements for first- and last-mile travel for users.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that a trial permitting foldable bicycles and PMDs on public transport is ongoing and will be evaluated for permanency after it ends in May, noting few complaints and about 70 denials due to oversized devices.
The government plans to enhance first- and last-mile connectivity by widening footpaths, adding covered linkways, cycling paths, and bicycle parking facilities.

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3 Apr 2017

Tunnelling Works that Led to Cave-in at Bukit Brown Tomb

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked about the Bukit Brown tomb cave-in, specifically whether the contractor had adequate knowledge of ground conditions and supervision, and how LTA ensures machine operators are trained for sensitive areas.
Khaw Boon Wan attributed the incident to mixed ground conditions and the operator's poor judgment, noting the operator failed to follow protocol by not consulting the Tunnel Manager or Senior Tunnel Engineer, and has since been replaced.
LTA requires machine operators to have at least five years of experience and contractors to conduct soil investigations before tunnelling, with plans to enforce stricter controls and supervision going forward.

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3 Apr 2017

Provision of Natural Gas Supply to Industrial Estates

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked about the progress of providing natural gas supply to all industrial estates to reduce carbon emissions.
Minister S Iswaran explained that the natural gas network covers most industrial estates in western and northern Singapore, while town gas spans most of the island, with only Seletar not connected due to low demand.
The government plans to extend gas networks where demand grows and will consider utility needs in new industrial planning to lower connectivity costs.
Companies can also adopt renewable energy, like solar power, or improve energy efficiency through available grant schemes to reduce carbon emissions.

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3 Apr 2017

Proposed Hawker Centre in Choa Chu Kang

Alex Yam inquired about the timeline and location for the proposed hawker centre in Choa Chu Kang.
The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources confirmed Choa Chu Kang is scheduled for a new hawker centre by 2027.
Planning for the centre is in its early stages, with details to be provided later.

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3 Apr 2017

Lifts in Schools

Mr Zainal Sapari asked about the number of government schools with lifts and plans for barrier-free access for all.
The Ministry of Education installs lifts in new schools and during major upgrades of existing ones.
Currently, about 70% of government primary and secondary schools have lifts.
The remaining schools will be equipped with lifts when they undergo major upgrading.

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3 Apr 2017

Rain Shelters for Motorcyclists

Member Zainal Sapari asked about the number of dedicated rain shelters for motorcyclists along expressways, their safety measures, and whether more could be built beyond those under overhead bridges.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated there are 80 such shelters, located under flyovers and protected by barriers or spring-loaded poles, with warning signs placed 40 metres before each shelter.
The Ministry will consider providing more rain shelters where feasible.

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3 Apr 2017

Auto-deduction of Toll Charges for Vehicles at Causeway and Tuas Checkpoints

Yee Chia Hsing asked if auto-deduction of toll charges could replace the current manual cash card system at the Causeway and Tuas checkpoints.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that implementing auto-deduction would require substantial physical infrastructure similar to ERP systems.
The current ERP system is becoming obsolete and will be replaced by a satellite-based system by 2020, which would allow auto-deduction with less infrastructure investment.

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8 Mar 2017

Committee of Supply − Head L (Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources)

Members raised concerns about Singapore's climate commitments, industrial and vehicular emissions, and the need for stronger incentives to adopt cleaner energy and vehicles, prompting the Minister to outline plans like the revised Vehicular Emissions Scheme and enhanced energy efficiency measures.
The debate highlighted issues with waste management, including low domestic recycling rates and outdated collection systems, leading to announcements on mandatory pneumatic waste systems in new buildings and new initiatives to promote food waste recycling and e-waste management.
Water security and the recent 30% water price increase were discussed extensively, with the Minister defending the necessity for infrastructure investment and outlining conservation efforts, including smart devices and subsidies for low-income households.
The sustainability of hawker centres was addressed, with the government accepting recommendations for training, productivity grants, and vibrancy initiatives, while also emphasizing the need for better tray-return and cleanliness practices.
Overall, the Ministry emphasized a multi-pronged approach involving regulation, incentives, and public education to achieve environmental goals, urging collective action from all sectors of society.

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8 Mar 2017

Setting up of Drone Port

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Transport about setting up a drone port to accommodate rising goods transport via drones.
The Minister responded that while drones have potential, their use for goods transport is not yet mature for safe deployment in Singapore, with ongoing trials like the Skyways Project at NUS.
The Ministry is monitoring international drone port projects, coordinating multi-agency efforts, and has a regulatory framework that is being updated as technology evolves.

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28 Feb 2017

Deciding between Pedestrian Overhead Bridges and Pedestrian Crossing

Ms Sun Xueling asked the Ministry for Transport about the planning parameters and cost-benefit considerations for choosing between pedestrian overhead bridges and at-grade crossings.
The Minister explained that at-grade crossings are preferred for being barrier-free and convenient for the elderly, families with strollers, and persons with disabilities.
At-grade crossings are not suitable for roads with fast-moving traffic or where they may cause serious congestion, in which cases pedestrian overhead bridges are provided.

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20 Feb 2017

Updates on New and Innovative Technologies for HDB Residents with Lift Access Problems

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked for updates on new technologies to help HDB residents in units with difficult lift access and the proportion of such units.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that the Lift Upgrading Programme has helped most of the original 5,300 blocks without full lift access, with only about 150 blocks still unsolved.
Innovative solutions like machine room-less elevators and bubble lifts have been tried, but recent pilots such as pneumatic vacuum and vertical platform lifts were deemed unfeasible for residential use.
Less than 1% of sold HDB flats lack direct lift access, and residents with urgent medical or disability needs can seek case-by-case assistance from HDB.

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20 Feb 2017

Development Plans for Bedok Stadium and Bedok Sports Complex

Miss Cheryl Chan asked about development plans for Bedok Stadium and Bedok Sports Complex, and whether the running tracks would be upgraded due to safety concerns.
Grace Fu stated that Bedok Sports Complex is being redeveloped as part of the "Heartbeat@Bedok" integrated complex, with new sports facilities opening in phases by end of this year.
She also confirmed that Sport Singapore plans to replace the running track at Bedok Stadium by September 2017.

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20 Feb 2017

Engineering Advancements in HDB Flats

HDB has incorporated higher-grade concrete and structural health monitoring sensors to improve structural integrity and prevent issues like water leakage.
Urban environmental modelling is used to enhance ventilation, reduce noise, and mitigate heat by optimizing building layout, greenery placement, and orientation in BTO projects.
HDB collaborates with research institutes to develop advanced materials and design solutions, such as noise-reducing underlayments, while considering factors like road proximity and building facing in estate planning.

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20 Feb 2017

Ambient Light Sensors for Public Roads to Ensure Adequate Lighting Levels

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked whether the Land Transport Authority could add ambient light sensors to existing street lamps to improve lighting during heavy rainstorms and low visibility.
The Minister for Transport confirmed that ambient light sensors will be installed as part of a major street lighting upgrade.
The upgrade will start in the Central Area next year and be completed across Singapore by 2022.

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