Infrastructure & development — Topics

17 Aug 2015

Extending MRT Network to Link Punggol to Yio Chu Kang and Seletar Towns

Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Transport about plans to extend the MRT network to directly link Punggol with Yio Chu Kang and Seletar towns, citing current road-only access and growing population in Sengkang.
Lui Tuck Yew responded that buses currently suffice for travel between Punggol and Yio Chu Kang/Seletar, and the LTA is studying a new bus service to connect north and north-east regions under the Bus Service Enhancement Programme.
The LTA will continue monitoring travel demand and assess the feasibility of new rail lines where needed.

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17 Aug 2015

Measures to Minimise Traffic Noise Level along Central Expressway Facing Residential Homes

Ang Hin Kee asked about additional measures beyond tree planting and porous road mixtures to reduce noise from expressway expansion and traffic near residential areas like Seletar and Sunrise estates.
The Land Transport Authority is trialling road noise barriers at four high-traffic locations to assess their effectiveness, visual impact, and installation challenges.
Following the trials, LTA will consider the feasibility of installing noise barriers at other locations, including near the Central Expressway.

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17 Aug 2015

Extension of Downtown Line or Circle Line and Building of Cross Island Line

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether the Downtown or Circle Line could be extended to Pasir Ris, Punggol, and Sengkang West, and whether the Cross Island Line could first be built from Changi through Pasir Ris and Punggol.
Lui Tuck Yew responded that Pasir Ris, Punggol, and Sengkang West are already served by the East-West Line and North-East Line, and extending other lines would undermine their primary design and operational efficiency.
The Downtown Line's eastern stretch is intended to serve corridors without MRT access, while the Circle Line is meant to improve orbital connectivity between radial lines.
The Cross Island Line is still under study, and further details will be provided once the study is completed.

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17 Aug 2015

Expediting Completion of Downtown Line 2 MRT Stations

Christopher de Souza questioned how LTA expedited the completion of Downtown Line 2 MRT stations ahead of schedule despite the insolvency of contractor Alpine Bau GmbH.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that Alpine Bau's insolvency affected three stations and their tunnels, but LTA mobilised resources from other completed stations and extended work hours to recover time.
LTA restructured work processes and coordinated concurrent activities, including simultaneous testing and commissioning across different parts of the line.
A Local Control Centre was set up at Little India station to allow early testing of the affected section due to the lack of cabling connection to the Operation Control Centre.
These measures enabled LTA to complete the Downtown Line 2 stations by December 2015 without significant delay despite the contractor's insolvency.

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17 Aug 2015

Update on Construction of Downtown Line 2 MRT Stations at King Albert Park, Sixth Avenue and Tan Kah Kee

Christopher de Souza requested an update on the progress of construction for the Downtown Line 2 stations at King Albert Park, Sixth Avenue, and Tan Kah Kee, and asked if they are on track to be operational by mid-2016.
Lui Tuck Yew reported that progress has been better than expected, with the Land Transport Authority working innovatively with new contractors to address delays caused by the insolvency of the original contractor, Alpine Bau.
Lui Tuck Yew announced that Downtown Line 2 will now open on 27 December 2015, ahead of the earlier forecast for the first quarter of 2016.

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17 Aug 2015

Take-up Rate for Space in JTC and HDB Industrial Parks

The occupancy rates for JTC and HDB industrial facilities decreased from 97% in 2012 to 94% in 2014, while the overall industrial space market occupancy fell from 93% to 91% over the same period.
An average of 1.8 million sqm of industrial space is expected annually in 2016 and 2017, exceeding the past three years' average annual supply of 1.5 million sqm and demand of 1 million sqm.
New JTC developments, including JTC Chemicals Hub @ Tuas View and JTC nanoSpace @ Tampines, will contribute about 340,000 sqm to the upcoming industrial space supply.
The Government will continue to monitor the industrial property market and make more space available when necessary.
There are plans to build more industrial parks as needed, based on market monitoring and demand trends.

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17 Aug 2015

Commuters Switching from North East Line to Upcoming Downtown Line 2

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked about the number of commuters switching from the North East Line to Downtown Line 2, the possible early commencement of Downtown Line 3, and extending Downtown Line 3 to Punggol, Sengkang, and Ang Mo Kio.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew said up to 20% of North East Line commuters, or about 90,000, will benefit from greater connectivity via Little India station to the city centre and areas like Bukit Timah.
Downtown Line 3 is on schedule to open in 2017 with no plans for extension to Punggol, Sengkang, or Ang Mo Kio, as it targets areas not currently served by the MRT network such as Ubi, Kaki Bukit, and Bedok Reservoir.

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17 Aug 2015

Conversion of Land Use in Rivervale Crescent

Lee Li Lian asked why land in Rivervale Crescent was converted from a school site to a park and residential estate, and whether it could be used for other developments.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the land was originally for a primary school, but a review found sufficient schools in the area, leading URA to rezone it for other uses.
The parcel was split into a park for green space and residential use to match the surrounding area, with URA deeming residential the most compatible option.
URA considered other uses but concluded residential was best aligned with the neighborhood's character.

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14 Jul 2015

Childcare Places in Mature Estates under Remaking Our Heartland Programme

Mrs Lina Chiam inquired about meeting childcare demand in mature estates under the Remaking Our Heartland programme, where limited land makes new facilities challenging.
Tan Chuan-Jin explained that ECDA monitors existing and projected childcare demand in mature estates.
If capacity needs expansion, ECDA may collaborate with HDB and operators to extend existing centres or find alternative sites like retail malls or co-located facilities.
For new BTO developments in mature estates, ECDA works with HDB to pre-build childcare facilities based on anticipated demand.

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14 Jul 2015

Conversion of HDB Void Deck Spaces for Specific Uses

Mrs Lina Chiam proposed a policy to consult residents and conduct polls before converting HDB void decks for use by VWOs, grassroots organisations, Town Councils, or constituency offices.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that void decks are deliberately designed as communal spaces and are assessed for suitable facilities like childcare or senior care centres through community feedback, but formal polls are impractical as facilities serve the wider neighbourhood.
He noted that Town Council offices may be placed in void decks if no commercial premises are available, while constituency offices are currently located in Community Centres/Clubs.

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14 Jul 2015

Extension Plans for Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange

Alex Yam raised concerns about overcrowding and congestion at the Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange, which has been in service since 1991, and asked about plans for relocation and expansion.
The Minister for Transport responded that the interchange’s capacity remains sufficient with current measures, and redevelopment is being considered within the next three to five years as part of broader Town Centre plans.
Zaqy Mohamad acknowledged recent improvements in bus wait times but highlighted ongoing resident concerns, seeking details on whether redevelopment would include amenities and address road flow issues from Choa Chu Kang Loop.

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14 Jul 2015

Measures to Help Residents Whose Flats Do Not Enjoy Direct Lift Access

The Ministry of National Development is piloting two new lift solutions—the Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator and the Vertical Platform Lift—to provide direct lift access for HDB blocks that are not eligible for the Lift Upgrading Programme due to technical or cost constraints.
HDB assesses each case of residents needing lift access on an individual basis, offering assistance such as housing and financing support, especially for those with medical conditions or mobility issues.
While 98% of HDB flats have been upgraded with lifts, about 200 blocks remain ineligible due to high costs or technical challenges, and the Ministry is exploring ways to address these, including evaluating new lift technologies and considering alternative solutions for high-rise segmented blocks.

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13 Jul 2015

Measures to Conserve Environment

The government is implementing the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint 2015 to promote a car-lite society and a zero waste nation, enhancing public transport and cycling infrastructure.
Measures to make vehicles greener include higher emission standards from 2017, the Early Turnover Scheme, and a trial electric vehicle car-sharing programme.
Initiatives to reduce waste include food waste recycling pilots and centralized recycling chutes in new flats to encourage the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).
The government supports retailers and supermarkets in reducing plastic bag use through incentives like rebates and charges, while encouraging households to reuse plastic bags for waste disposal.
Public, private, and people sectors are collaborating to foster sustainable development and environmental stewardship among all Singaporeans.

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13 Jul 2015

Proposed Building of Hawker Centres in Bukit Batok and Choa Chu Kang

David Ong and Zaqy Mohamad requested updates on the construction of new hawker centres in Bukit Batok and Choa Chu Kang respectively.
The Ministry announced at COS 2015 that 10 new hawker centres will be built by 2027, targeting underserved or new estates.
Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Batok have been identified as locations for these centres.
The Ministry is still in the early planning stages and will provide more details once plans are finalized.
The initiative aims to better serve residents in these constituencies with additional hawker facilities.

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13 Jul 2015

Singapore's Preparedness for Return of El Nino Weather Conditions

Singapore has invested in weather-resilient water sources like NEWater and desalination, which now supply 55% of water demand, and will build a third desalination plant and possibly more to ensure supply during dry spells.
Authorities are studying legislative amendments to impose water restrictions on non-essential activities during severe droughts, and encourage public conservation to maintain water resilience.
A Wildfire Task Force coordinates government-wide efforts to manage vegetation fire risks through trimming, buffers, patrols, and restrictions on pyrotechnics, with additional measures during dry spells.
Agencies conduct regular joint wildfire simulations and aerial surveillance to strengthen emergency response and protect green areas from fires.

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13 Jul 2015

Conserving Flats in Dakota Crescent

Lim Biow Chuan asked if HDB could conserve the Dakota Crescent flats built by the Singapore Improvement Trust instead of demolishing them.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the 1950s-era flats are being vacated to allow higher-density housing development near an MRT station.
He stated that as the area is redeveloped, efforts will be made to study ways to retain some of its distinctive identity and character.

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13 Jul 2015

Provision of Common Public Waste Collection Points in Future Urban Planning

Zainal Sapari asked whether the Ministry for National Development could consider providing common public waste collection points in future urban planning instead of individual waste bins at landed properties.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the current system of individual bins is practical, convenient for residents, and does not require setting aside land for centralized points.
He noted that the National Environment Agency's regulations help minimize disruptions from waste collection, such as controlling collection timings.
However, he acknowledged that some precincts may benefit from centralized collection and said the Ministry would consider the proposal if there is strong local resident interest.

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13 Jul 2015

BTO Flats to be Built in 2016

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development for the total number of BTO flats to be built next year, broken down by flat types.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated that after a significant ramp-up, the first-timer demand backlog has been cleared and the resale market is moderating, allowing BTO supply to be tapered.
The BTO supply for the current year is settled at about 15,000 flats, and the details for 2016 are being studied and will be announced when ready.

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13 Jul 2015

Location of Construction Staging Site near Residential Area in Tanjong Rhu

The government explained that coastal construction staging sites are needed to transfer excavated materials to barges for offshore disposal and must be spread out across the island, with Marina East selected as a suitable temporary site segregated from residences by planting.
Measures are in place to reduce road disamenities, including providing adequate queue bays within the staging ground to prevent trucks from overflowing onto public roads.
The Land Transport Authority has enhanced the staging ground’s throughput to minimize truck queues and diverted some trucks to Changi East to lower volumes at Marina East.

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13 Jul 2015

Noise Barriers along Roads and Traffic Junctions

Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired about plans for noise barriers along roads and junctions and whether the Ministry was aware of high noise levels at The Estuary condominium.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew stated that installing noise barriers is impractical due to gaps needed for bus stops and access points, which would reduce effectiveness and compromise pedestrian safety.
The Estuary meets the URA’s setback guideline, but in response to resident feedback, more trees have been planted along the road, and further noise mitigation measures are being discussed with the condominium management.

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