Infrastructure & development — Topics

15 Aug 2016

Government Construction Projects Awarded to Local and Foreign Engineering Companies

Two-thirds of government construction contracts above $200 million in the last three years were awarded to the lowest price bidder.
Singapore's procurement system requires all companies to be prequalified under the Contractors Registration System, with higher-value contracts demanding higher financial and technical standards.
The government does not track the nationality of company owners due to its open procurement regime, which ensures fair competition between local and foreign firms under WTO and free trade agreements.
All companies, regardless of nationality, compete based on their ability to meet tender requirements, with no discrimination in the award process.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Aug 2016

Supply, Demand and Pricing of Water

Seah Kian Peng raised concerns about ensuring stable long-term water supply amid low catchment levels and climate change, and questioned whether water pricing reflects full costs including infrastructure and subsidies.
Melvin Yong asked for updates on support for high water-use companies to recycle and suggested a lower conservation tax for households below average consumption.
The Minister assured that Singapore’s Water Master Plan and infrastructure projects like desalination and NEWater plants will secure supply, while PUB promotes water efficiency through regulations, funding, and consumer comparison tools.
Water is priced based on long-run marginal cost to reflect scarcity, with tiered tariffs and taxes to discourage waste; the price has remained stable but will need review due to rising costs and climate challenges.
Both members’ suggestions on tiered conservation taxes and efficiency measures are acknowledged, with current structures deemed effective though complex changes may be considered in the future.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Aug 2016

Consultancy Services for Construction of Bin Centre at Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall

The Minister explained that the consultancy for the bin centre was a contract variation for the broader redevelopment, procured as a lump sum to manage complex multi-institutional needs and limit cost escalation, with total consultancy costs at 8.7% of project costs, within industry benchmarks.
The consultant conducted extensive feasibility studies for site selection, structural works, traffic and pedestrian flows, odour control, and sensitive design, leading to construction cost savings of $420,000 through value engineering.
The Ministry acknowledged the Auditor-General's concern about documentation for the fee assessment but noted the AGO did not find the consultant overpaid, and stated that a fixed lump-sum contract would still be used if the project were done again due to the project's complexity.
In response to questions, the Minister clarified that facade design was part of the broader consultancy scope considering historical aesthetics, and while the AGO's percentage rule is reasonable for typical construction, it could reasonably be deviated from for this unique, non-construction-focused consultancy.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Jul 2016

Plans and Timeline for a Hawker Centre in Chua Chu Kang Town

Zaqy Mohamad asked about the plans and timeline for a new hawker centre in Chua Chu Kang Town.
The Ministry confirmed Chua Chu Kang is identified for a new hawker centre by 2027.
The Ministry is currently working on the location and timeline details.
More information will be provided once the plans are finalized.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Jul 2016

Land Earmarked for HDB Development

The Minister for National Development reported that approximately 20% of land earmarked for HDB residential development by 2030 remains undeveloped.
Slightly less than half of the current land used for HDB residential development is occupied by flats built in 1986 or earlier.
The figures were provided in response to a parliamentary query regarding the state of land designated for HDB housing.
The information addresses the proportion of undeveloped residential land and the age distribution of existing HDB flats.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Jul 2016

Plan for Vacant Land Opposite Bukit Batok MRT Station bounded by Bukit Batok Central

Murali Pillai inquired about the development plan for a vacant land opposite Bukit Batok MRT Station and whether it is safeguarded for infrastructure to support the growing population in Bukit Batok Neighbourhood 4.
Lawrence Wong stated that URA and HDB collaborate to plan infrastructure for towns, noting a mixed-use site launched in 2016 in Neighbourhood 4 providing amenities like a supermarket and childcare centre.
The vacant land opposite Bukit Batok MRT is safeguarded for future commercial and residential uses per URA's Master Plan, with development details to be announced later.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Jul 2016

Listing of Completed Estate Upgrading Programme and Interim Estate Upgrading Programme Projects in Aljunied GRC

Sylvia Lim requested an updated list of completed Estate Upgrading Programme and Interim Estate Upgrading Programme projects in Aljunied GRC, including commencement and completion dates and descriptions of the works.
Lawrence Wong stated that three estates in Aljunied GRC were selected for EUP, with upgrades completed in 2004, 2006, and 2014, and that works included park facilities and public infrastructure improvements.
He also confirmed that all I-EUP works in Aljunied GRC were finished by March 2016 and comprised items like footpath lightings, notice boards, and rain shelters.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Jul 2016

Impact of China's "One Belt, One Road" Initiative on Singapore SMEs

The Minister highlighted that China’s Belt and Road Initiative (B&R) is mutually beneficial, encouraging economic integration and cooperation, with over 6,500 Chinese companies now based in Singapore—nearly double the number from five years ago—offering collaboration opportunities in logistics, construction, and finance.
Singapore SMEs can also tap into infrastructure and development projects in Chinese provinces, supported by initiatives like the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative, which opens doors in ICT, urban solutions, and logistics through government-to-government partnerships.
The government provides active support for SMEs through agencies like SPRING Singapore and IE Singapore, offering capability development, market entry assistance, and financing options via schemes such as the Market Readiness Assistance and partnerships with Chinese banks.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Jul 2016

Taxi Stand in Vicinity of Blocks 216 to 222 at Lorong 8 Toa Payoh

Sitoh Yih Pin proposed implementing a taxi stand near Blocks 216 to 222 at Lorong 8 Toa Payoh based on resident requests.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that taxi stands are built where demand is high to ease traffic flow and facilitate pickups.
He stated that the irregular and low taxi demand in the area makes a taxi stand difficult to justify.
The debate centered on balancing resident needs with practical traffic management considerations.
The response indicates the decision would prioritize overall traffic efficiency over specific locality requests.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Jul 2016

Green Man Plus Scheme at Pedestrian Crossing along Potong Pasir Avenue 1

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin requested to expedite the Green Man Plus Scheme at the Potong Pasir Avenue 1 pedestrian crossing from June 2017 to assist elderly and disabled residents.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that LTA prioritizes areas with high elderly populations for the scheme's implementation.
LTA will examine the possibility of fast-tracking the scheme at the specified location.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Jul 2016

Erection of Noise Barriers between Chua Chu Kang and Bukit Gombak MRT Stations

Zaqy Mohamad asked the Minister for Transport about the timeline, locations, and possible inclusion of new BTO developments like Keat Hong Pride and Keat Hong Crest in noise barrier installations between Chua Chu Kang and Bukit Gombak MRT stations.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that tenders for noise barriers near residential blocks along Bukit Batok West Avenue 5, Chua Chu Kang Avenue 2, Central, and Loop will be called in the second half of the year.
The Minister noted that new developments like Keat Hong Pride and Keat Hong Crest must comply with setback and noise mitigation requirements, which should adequately address noise concerns.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Jul 2016

Making Overhead Pedestrian Bridges Elder- and Disabled-friendly

The Ministry of Transport reported that 33 overhead pedestrian bridges currently have lifts, with plans to install lifts at 34 more bridges by 2018 and an additional 50 bridges thereafter.
Priority for lift installations will be given to bridges near key locations such as transport hubs, hospitals, polyclinics, welfare homes, homes for the aged, and schools for children with special needs.
For bridges regularly used by the elderly and disabled where lifts cannot be installed due to location constraints, alternative solutions like street-level crossings will be explored.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Jul 2016

Impact of Relaxation on Car Loan Restrictions and Raising of Car Park Charges on Building of Car-lite Society

The Minister emphasized that a car-lite society relies on a robust public transport system, highlighting significant upgrades to rail and bus services, with the rail network set to double by 2030 and improvements in connectivity through sheltered walkways and cycling paths.
To manage car usage, public parking rates have been increased for the first time in over a decade to reflect higher costs, though they remain lower than in many global cities, and the government is reviewing parking provisions in buildings.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) adjusted car loan restrictions in response to reduced inflationary pressures and lower vehicle loans, but this policy reset does not hinder the broader goal of limiting car population growth, with the vehicle growth rate to be reviewed next year.
Initiatives such as electric car-sharing programs and active mobility rules are being promoted to offer alternatives to private car ownership, supporting a shift towards more sustainable transportation options.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Jul 2016

Impact of Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High-speed Rail on Jurong East Region

The High-speed Rail terminus in Jurong East aligns with the vision to develop Jurong Lake District into a second CBD and a new gateway to Singapore, leveraging its size and proximity to Jurong Lake Gardens for a sustainable, green district.
The area will integrate with the existing Jurong Gateway precinct, extending pedestrian links to the HSR site and combining business, retail, residential, and leisure uses anchored by Jurong Lake Gardens and the Science Centre.
An extensive transport network is planned to improve connectivity, including links to MRT stations, the integrated transport hub, and future lines, while addressing traffic congestion and planning for autonomous vehicles.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority will launch a Request for Proposal and engage the public to gather feedback on the concept plans for the Jurong Lake District development.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

Land Gazetted as Nature Reserves and Nature Areas

About 5% of Singapore's land is gazetted as Nature Reserves and 3% as Nature Areas, totaling approximately 5,400 hectares, which is equivalent to nearly half of all housing land in the country.
The government has no immediate plans to significantly increase the number or size of nature reserves or areas, as Singapore must balance limited land with multiple needs.
Singapore employs unique solutions to integrate greenery into urban spaces, such as park connectors and Nature Ways, to conserve biodiversity and enhance living environments.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

Building Public Library near or at East Point

Leon Perera proposed a feasibility study for a new public library at or near East Point to serve residents in Simei and Changi, noting existing libraries in Tampines and Pasir Ris.
The Ministry responded that the National Library Board aims to enhance accessibility through upgrades to existing libraries in the eastern region, including expanding the Tampines Regional Library and redeploying the Bedok Public Library.
NLB is also supporting community-led initiatives, such as training volunteers and providing materials to establish a community library in the Changi-Simei area.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

Extending MRT Downtown Line 3 from Tampines to Pasir Ris, Punggol, Fernvale/Jalan Kayu and Yio Chu Kang

Gan Thiam Poh asked if the Ministry would consider extending the MRT Downtown Line 3 from Tampines to Pasir Ris, Punggol, Fernvale/Jalan Kayu and Yio Chu Kang.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the North East region is planned to be served by the upcoming Cross Island Line.
He stated that extending the Downtown Line to those areas is not appropriate as it is primarily designed to serve the corridor between the East-West Line and North-East Line that currently lacks MRT access.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

Installing Additional Road Safety Features

Leon Perera inquired about the criteria for implementing road safety tools like speed bumps and raised zebra crossings, the Ministry's initiatives for traffic safety in private estates, and the mechanism to measure the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) introduces safety measures in high-risk or speeding-prone areas, assessing effectiveness by comparing accident rates and vehicle speeds before and after implementation.
LTA and the Traffic Police collaborate with communities to promote road safety in both private and public estates, such as by installing advance "STOP" markings in Gerald Estate based on resident feedback.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

Update on Development of Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High-speed Rail

Khaw Boon Wan reported good progress on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High-Speed Rail, noting a joint market sensing exercise received positive feedback and both countries are now refining the commercial model and procurement approach while discussing security and regulatory aspects.
For the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, Malaysia confirmed the station location at Bukit Chagar in August 2015, and Phase 2 of the Joint Engineering Study has begun and will take about 18 months.
Both governments are also discussing the commercial, regulatory, and security aspects of the Rapid Transit System Link project alongside the engineering study.
Gan Thiam Poh sought an update on the High-Speed Rail and the extension of Singapore's MRT line to Johor Bahru, which Khaw Boon Wan addressed in his response.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2016

More Financial Incentives and Charging Points to Encourage Electric Car Usage

The Minister for Transport confirmed the government encourages electric car use through the Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme and is evaluating proposals for a nationwide electric car-sharing program that includes installing 2,000 charging points.
The Minister emphasized that public transport remains the greenest option and highlighted ongoing trials for electric buses, taxis, and commercial vehicles, with Singapore aiming to be an early adopter of such technology.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah sought clarification on whether the 2,000 charging points would be accessible to the general public or limited to car-sharing scheme participants, to which the Minister responded he needed to check the details.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source