Infrastructure & development — Topics

9 May 2016

Provision of Lockers for Storage of Personal Mobility Devices

The Ministry of Transport is expanding bicycle parking spaces at new and existing MRT stations, with new stations having 100–300 lots, and will seek to mandate parking standards for new private developments.
There are no current plans to provide storage lockers for personal mobility devices (PMDs), as users typically carry them, but the Ministry will continue monitoring trends.
Encouraging existing building owners to provide PMD storage is considered, but retrospective requirements are challenging due to constraints; priority is on new buildings and voluntary encouragement where feasible.

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9 May 2016

Bicycle Terminals at Key Locations in City and Downtown

Darryl David proposed dedicated bicycle terminals at key city and downtown locations with facilities like showers and lockers to support cyclists traveling from home to the city.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport outlined existing bicycle parking at MRT stations and plans for the Downtown Line, plus new requirements for developers to include Walking and Cycling Plans with facilities like showers and lockers.
Darryl David followed up, urging the government to consider providing such facilities at dedicated terminals before developer plans are implemented, citing weather challenges for commuters.
The Senior Minister of State responded that space constraints at MRT stations and the goal of first- and last-mile connectivity mean facilities should be tied to building owners' plans rather than standalone terminals.

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13 Apr 2016

Committee of Supply – Head X (Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth)

Miss Cheng Li Hui raised concerns about preserving the rustic nature of Coney Island despite its expansion, asking about measures to minimize environmental impact and maintain its natural state.
She questioned the $250 million cost of the project as high compared to other infrastructure, seeking details on the development plans and components driving the expenses.
The speaker also inquired about the future plans for the existing OBS and adventure campsites in relation to the new developments.

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12 Apr 2016

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Minister Khaw Boon Wan addressed the tragic SMRT fatalities, outlined investigations, and emphasized a forward-looking transport vision focusing on first-and-last-mile connectivity, point-to-point transport innovation, and public transport excellence, particularly rail reliability and expansion.
MPs raised issues on shuttle buses for private estates, lift access for the elderly, inclusive transport for persons with disabilities, and sheltered walkway gaps; Minister Josephine Teo responded with plans to enhance walking, cycling, and PMD policies, accepting AMAP recommendations to allow bicycles and PMDs on footpaths with new rules, education, and enforcement.
On COE and ERP, Minister Ng Chee Meng discussed motorcycle COE adjustments, ERP 2.0 privacy safeguards, and point-to-point service regulations, while aviation and maritime updates covered Terminal 5, Changi Airport expansion, and support for maritime jobs amid industry changes.

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11 Apr 2016

Committee of Supply – Head T (Ministry of National Development)

The debate centered on enhancing housing affordability and accessibility, with the government announcing a new Fresh Start Housing Scheme to help second-timer families in rental flats purchase 2-room flexi flats with grants and concessions, while emphasizing stable BTO supply and the need for financial prudence.
Parliament discussed urban planning and infrastructure, including developing future towns like Tengah, rejuvenating mature estates, and expanding cycling and pedestrian networks to create a more car-lite and connected city, alongside upgrades to public spaces and community facilities.
Issues like municipal services coordination, construction productivity, and support for vulnerable groups were raised, with the government outlining measures such as the OneService app for feedback, grants for farmers, and flexible policies for elderly monetizing flats or facing homelessness.

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4 Apr 2016

Criteria for Setting-up of Public Library

Ms Sun Xueling asked about the criteria for establishing new public libraries and steps to improve book accessibility for residents.
The Minister explained that library locations are based on the URA masterplan, targeting areas with at least 150,000 residents and near town centres or transport hubs, with 26 libraries complemented by reading corners, mobile services, and digital resources.
The Minister noted that temporary libraries are not planned, but communities can initiate their own library corners with NLB support, and NLB already provides book synopses and digital access to enhance user convenience.

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24 Mar 2016

Reason for Delay in Completion of Sheltered Linkway at Woodleigh Close

Sitoh Yih Pin inquired about the delay in completing the sheltered linkway at Woodleigh Close under the Walk2Ride programme and asked for LTA's revised completion date.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the original completion estimate was May 2016, but LTA required more time to avoid impacting utilities and trees.
The new expected completion date for the sheltered linkway is now August 2016.

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24 Mar 2016

Justification for Building Sheltered Pedestrian Overhead Bridges

Sitoh Yih Pin questioned why some pedestrian overhead bridges are sheltered and others are not, and requested shelter for the Braddell Road bridge and its linked walkways.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that the Land Transport Authority prioritizes shelters for more frequently used bridges.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that the case for the Braddell Road bridge will be reviewed.

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14 Mar 2016

Impact of Electromagnetic Waves on Residents Living near Power Sub-stations

Melvin Yong asked about the number of power sub-stations near residential areas, health studies on electromagnetic radiation, and measures to protect residents.
Lawrence Wong stated there are 33 electrical transmission sub-stations near housing estates, with radiation levels about 100 times below WHO guidelines.
The Energy Market Authority and National Environment Agency monitor developments and collaborate with health authorities to evaluate new scientific findings.

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14 Mar 2016

Covered Walkways from MRT Stations to Public Hospitals

Ang Wei Neng asked if there is a plan to build covered walkways from MRT stations to public hospitals like KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that LTA is building such walkways as part of the Walk2Ride programme within a 400-metre radius.
Most of these walkways are already completed, and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital will have a covered walkway to Little India station by 2017.

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14 Mar 2016

Network of Linkways for Orchard Road Malls

Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for National Development for an update on the plan to link Orchard Road malls with a network of linkways.
Lawrence Wong stated that the URA has planned underground pedestrian links to connect major commercial buildings and MRT stations.
The URA requires new developments and redeveloped existing buildings along Orchard Road to include these linkways.
Approximately 2.5 km of underground linkways have been implemented so far.

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14 Mar 2016

Incentives for Building Owners and Developers to Provide Space for Community Facilities

The Minister highlighted that since 2003, the URA has offered gross floor area incentives to developers to provide community spaces in commercial buildings, allowing up to 2,000 sq m or 10% of maximum floor space for facilities like childcare, eldercare, libraries, and community clubs, with 33 developments having used this scheme.
The URA will regularly review the incentive scheme and consider further incentives for building owners or developers to provide community facilities near transport nodes.
HDB continues to ensure adequate and well-distributed community spaces in towns, including at Town Centres near transport nodes, by assessing demand based on population, demographics, and existing facilities, as seen in examples like Sengkang and Bedok.

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14 Mar 2016

Bed Capacity Requirement for Tender of Sites for Nursing, Step-down and Long-term Care Facilities

Leon Perera inquired whether there is a minimum bed capacity requirement for land sites released for nursing, step-down, and long-term care facilities, and if a minimum proportion of four-bed or more rooms is required for government subsidies.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that due to land scarcity, MOH sets a minimum expected capacity for released sites based on size and allowable intensity, but does not specify bed configurations or mixes in tenders.
Nursing home operators can bid for land sites and self-fund development, while MOH uses other methods like purpose-built homes and co-funding for VWOs to expand capacity for an ageing population.
For government subsidies via the Portable Subsidy Scheme, MOH considers quality and capacity offered by bidders but not bed configurations, and most purpose-built homes have multi-bed cubicles with some single rooms for isolation needs.

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14 Mar 2016

Ensuring People-centric Desing in Pedestrian Linkway Planning

Tan Wu Meng raised concerns about the Clementi overhead bridge, noting that the lifts close after midnight, leaving elderly and mobility-impaired residents without barrier-free access once the ground-level crossing was removed, and urged LTA to provide 24-hour lift operation.
He also suggested that the Building Code should require private developers in HDB town centres to provide barrier-free pedestrian links to public developments, citing missed opportunities in Clementi, and advocated for better sheltered access to public hospitals like KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
Minister Lawrence Wong affirmed a people-centric approach to urban planning, shared ongoing efforts to enhance pedestrian connectivity, and announced that LTA and SMRT would adopt the suggestion for all-day barrier-free access at the Clementi bridge, while studying legislative options to compel pedestrian links from private developments.
The Minister highlighted initiatives like expanding sheltered walkways under the Walk2Ride scheme, improving hospital connections, and promoting car-lite culture through measures such as car-free Sundays in the civic district.
Both speakers emphasized the need for a holistic, user-focused design language in planning to create a more walkable and inclusive Singapore.

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14 Mar 2016

Criteria for Installing Elevators for Overhead Pedestrian Bridges and Within Train Stations

The Minister for Transport confirmed that MRT and LRT stations must be barrier-free with elevators from platforms to street level, and that elevators at overhead bridges are prioritized for locations near transport hubs, healthcare institutions, and neighbourhoods with higher elderly populations.
In response to a query about Farrer Park MRT station’s accessibility, the Minister acknowledged the concern and committed to reviewing it as part of the broader first-mile-last-mile connectivity programme, which aims to enhance public transport accessibility for all, especially the vulnerable.
A Member raised the need for a timeline for elevator installations in his ward, and the Minister explained that while prioritizing elderly-heavy areas, rollout depends on funding and competing demands across many overhead bridges.
The criteria for elevator installation apply equally to public and private estates, with priority given based on the concentration of elderly residents rather than estate type, though public estates often see faster implementation due to larger affected populations.

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14 Mar 2016

Ensuring Essential Services are Not Affected by Flash Floods

The Ministry outlined a comprehensive flood management strategy using source, pathway, and receptor measures, including drainage upgrades, runoff controls, and elevated platform requirements for critical infrastructure, alongside monitoring systems and public alerts.
No disruptions to essential services like hospitals or public transport were recorded in recent flash floods, which typically receded within 30 minutes, and agencies have protocols to warn emergency vehicles of affected routes.
To minimize delays for emergency vehicles, agencies use real-time flood monitoring and alerts, with the public also able to report floods via a hotline, though there is no specific case of hospital access blockage.

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1 Mar 2016

Government Land for Landed Housing Development to Meet Demand

Gan Thiam Poh asked if the Government plans to release land for landed housing developments in the next three years to meet demand.
Lawrence Wong stated there is currently a substantial supply of about 2,300 landed housing units in the pipeline, with most still unsold.
The Government has no immediate plans to provide land for new landed housing developments until the existing unsold inventory is cleared.
Once the unsold units are cleared, the Government will consider releasing more land for new landed housing developments to meet the needs of Singaporeans who prefer landed homes.

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1 Mar 2016

Publicity for and Feedback on Silver Zone Project

The Member of Parliament asked about the extent of public consultations and any adverse feedback on the Silver Zone project before and after implementation.
The Minister confirmed that the Land Transport Authority engages residents through brochures, posters, newsletters, and events prior to construction.
The Minister noted that while there is some feedback on noise, dust, and traffic impact during construction, most residents support Silver Zones for their benefits to vulnerable pedestrians.

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1 Mar 2016

Sale of Land Parcels around Major MRT Interchange Stations

Cheryl Chan asked how the Ministry balances selling land near MRT stations with managing traffic when new developments are occupied.
Lawrence Wong explained that land sales provide homes with transport access but agencies ensure road networks can handle increased traffic from new residents.
He noted that land parcels are released progressively to spread traffic growth over time and that developers may be required to do road improvements and follow strict rules on entrance and exit points to avoid traffic disruptions.

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1 Mar 2016

Growing New Industries that Promise Economic and Non-economic Benefits

Leon Perera proposed developing indoor vertical farming and solar power as new industries to enhance food and energy security, reduce imports, and create exportable expertise, suggesting more aggressive use of rooftop and underground spaces and setting stretch targets for solar energy.
The Parliamentary Secretary affirmed the government's commitment to economic transformation and cited examples like water technology, advanced manufacturing, and solar initiatives, while noting the need for cost-benefit analysis on underground farming and emphasizing SkillsFuture to prepare workers for new sectors.
Both sides highlighted Singapore's potential to become a "living lab" for innovation, turning domestic challenges into opportunities for exportable solutions and non-economic benefits like sustainability and quality of life.

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