Infrastructure & development — Topics

13 Jul 2015

Noise Barriers for Residential Areas near MRT Tracks

The Minister explained that perceived higher train noise in early morning and night is due to lower ambient noise, and noise levels are managed through maintenance of wheels and tracks.
Noise barriers are considered when train noise exceeds certain thresholds, with 14 km already planned in Phase 1 and an additional 9 km to be built from 2016 in Phase 2.
The Ministry will consider requests from Members for noise barriers in Khatib and Bukit Batok, with more details on Phase 2 to be announced by the end of the year.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Jul 2015

Changes to Land Use Plan for Parcels Surrounding Recently Sold or Completed BTO Flats

The Ministry monitors changes to land use around BTO flats, with HDB sales brochures informing buyers of surrounding land uses based on the prevailing Master Plan at the time of purchase.
URA reviews proposed land use changes for compatibility with existing developments, particularly in residential areas, and publishes notices for public inspection before amending the Master Plan.
The initiating agency informs MPs and constituency advisors of proposed developments to address community concerns, but no specific additional measures are mentioned for directly informing flat owners.
Public consultations occur through the official notice and feedback process, but there is no mention of advance consultations specifically with flat owners affected by negative valuation impacts.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Jul 2015

Singapore's Membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

Singapore joined the AIIB as a founding member to support regional infrastructure development and has actively participated in its establishment, including hosting negotiations and co-chairing the articles of agreement.
The government will subscribe to US$250 million (0.25%) of the AIIB's capital, with US$50 million paid in over five years and the rest callable if needed, similar to other multilateral institutions.
Singapore's membership offers opportunities for its companies to bid on infrastructure projects and provide advisory services, with risks comparable to other multilateral development banks, though due diligence is still required.
The AIIB focuses solely on infrastructure, unlike the World Bank or Asian Development Bank which have broader priorities, but Singapore will continue partnering with all such institutions to promote regional growth.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Jul 2015

Traffic Congestion in Jurong East with New Developments

Mr Ang Wei Neng questioned the Ministry's plans to address traffic congestion in Jurong East due to new developments like Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Genting Hotel Jurong.
LTA has completed road improvements since 2011, including widening key roads and adding new ones, with further plans to widen Jurong East Street 21 and enhance the road network for the High Speed Rail terminus.
To reduce localised crowding, LTA is adding more bus alighting points and providing parking availability information, while public transport services will see significant upgrades including more MRT trains and new lines.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Jul 2015

Relocation of New Junior College Originally Planned at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Area

Inderjit Singh and Seah Kian Peng asked the Ministry of Education to reconsider the temporary campus location of a new junior college from Mount Sinai to Ang Mo Kio and to provide an update on the review and learning points from construction delays.
Heng Swee Keat explained that the permanent campus at Sin Ming Avenue was chosen for its suitability but faced delays due to Cross Island Line alignment changes and tenancy issues, pushing completion to end-2019, while the interim site shifted from ITE Bishan to Mount Sinai after SJI's extension.
MOE reaffirmed Mount Sinai as the best interim campus due to its facilities, accessibility via public transport, and past successful use by other schools, despite parental concerns about distance, and committed to refurbishing the site.
The new JC, starting operations in 2017, will continue an Integrated Programme from three partner schools, offering specialized curricula and fostering student-led identity building, with stakeholder engagement on name, advisory committee, and school elements.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Jul 2015

Cost and Benefits of ABC Waters Programme

Since its launch in 2006, the ABC Waters Programme has completed 27 projects costing about $134 million, with 23 more approved and over 100 projects planned by 2030, and public cleaning of drains costs around $37 million annually, mainly removing fallen leaves.
The programme has transformed utilitarian drains and canals into aesthetically enhanced waterways integrated with community spaces, opening 974 ha of reservoirs and 94.6 km of waterways for recreation and supporting over 1,800 community events.
Benefits include improved water quality through sustainable design features, increased public ownership and stewardship via initiatives like the Friends of Water Programme with 316 community groups, and enhanced quality of life toward a "City of Gardens and Water" vision.
By 2030, plans aim to expand public access to 1,039 ha of reservoirs and 100 km of waterways, with resources permitting further projects to continue promoting community engagement and responsible enjoyment of water resources.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 May 2015

Upgrading of Chua Chu Kang Bus Interchange

Mr Zaqy Mohamad inquired about plans to upgrade the Chua Chu Kang Bus Interchange to handle increased services, commuter demand, and population growth from new developments, and to develop it into an integrated transport hub.
The Land Transport Authority is collaborating with the Urban Redevelopment Authority and other agencies to review redevelopment plans for the town centre, including assessing the timeline for upgrading the interchange into an integrated hub.
To improve bus flow, the Land Transport Authority has removed a taxi stand, installed railings, and will widen a stretch of Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4 by the second quarter of 2016, while bus operators have deployed marshals to assist with passenger and bus movements.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 May 2015

China's Building of Airstrip on Spratly Islands in South China Sea

Christopher de Souza questioned how China's construction of an airstrip on contested territory in the Spratly Islands might affect long-term peace and cooperation in ASEAN and the region.
K Shanmugam stated that Singapore, as a non-claimant state, does not take a position on competing claims but emphasizes the need for peaceful resolution, adherence to international law, and the preservation of freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.
He highlighted that ASEAN and China should work together to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties and accelerate the Code of Conduct to manage tensions and prevent escalation.
The response underscored that peace depends on all parties refraining from provocative actions and fulfilling international obligations, with ASEAN playing a neutral role in de-escalation.
Shanmugam expressed optimism that deep ASEAN-China cooperation will continue, with constructive management of the South China Sea issue serving the region's long-term interests.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 May 2015

Safe and Adequate Parking Spaces for Tour Buses at Attraction Sites

The government has established temporary roadside and surface coach parks in tourist areas like Chinatown and Merlion Park where state land is available, though proximity to attractions is not always feasible.
The Singapore Tourism Board has issued advisories to tour operators on parking locations and drop-off/pick-up points for popular sites in central Singapore.
Agencies such as the LTA and URA monitor ground conditions and work with developers to plan parking and drop-off spaces in new attractions to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.
The debate highlighted concerns about the adequacy of parking spaces for safe tourist boarding and alighting, as well as challenges faced by tour guides and drivers in maintaining safety at crowded attraction sites.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 May 2015

Progress of High-speed Rail Project Connecting Singapore and Kuala Lumpur

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur high-speed rail project and the Ministry's plans to ensure its timely completion.
The Minister for Transport stated that both countries are in deep discussions on technical, security, commercial, and regulatory aspects, and are committed to planning and implementing the project well.
When asked about ticket costs, the Minister replied that it is too early to discuss fares but mentioned that express and transit services would be managed separately.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Apr 2015

Development Plans for Hougang Town Centre under Remaking Our Heartland Programme

Png Eng Huat asked when the plans for the Hougang Town Centre under the 2011 Remaking Our Heartland programme would be released, noting the three-year timeline for launching the site.
Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman explained that the development is complex, involving integration with the MRT and bus interchange, and requires more time for agencies to resolve technical issues before tender.
Png Eng Huat sought a rough timeline for the plan and compared progress with other 2011 ROH sites, while the Minister reassured that work is ongoing but each town’s plan is customised, and the Town Centre’s complexity demands careful coordination.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Apr 2015

Extension of Bicycle Crossings at Traffic Junctions

Lee Li Lian asked the Minister for Transport about plans to extend bicycle crossings at traffic junctions to other parts of Singapore.
The Parliamentary Secretary replied that the Land Transport Authority has implemented 14 signalised bicycle crossings and plans to build 38 more, mostly in areas with existing cycling path networks.
The LTA is studying where else to implement such crossings and welcomes suggestions from Members.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Apr 2015

Carpark Provisions for Religious Institutions

Rita Soh asked why carpark requirements for religious institutions are uniform regardless of location and suggested reductions for those near MRT stations or commercial areas, or if they are national monuments.
The Senior Minister of State explained that carpark provisions are needed to prevent parking spillovers during worship hours or festivals, which inconvenience neighboring areas.
Concessions already exist: city centre places of worship get up to 20% less parking, and those with monument or conservation status are fully exempt from parking requirements.
The government will study the suggestion to further reduce parking requirements for places of worship located near MRT stations.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Apr 2015

Planning of Childcare Places in New HDB Estates

Dr Lee Bee Wah questioned how the Ministry determines the number of childcare places in new HDB precincts and whether current planning parameters are sufficient, citing long queues in Nee Soon South.
The Minister of State clarified that the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) plans the number and size of childcare centres based on projected demand, while HDB sets aside space and works with agencies to construct them.
Dr Lee expressed surprise at this division of responsibility and argued that the current allocation of about 100 places per 1,000-unit BTO is insufficient, urging a review of planning parameters.
The Minister of State assured that HDB works closely with ECDA to anticipate demand and accommodate requests for more facilities, noting ongoing and planned centres in Nee Soon South.
Another MP suggested that for in-fill BTO projects, HDB and ECDA should consider demand from existing neighbourhoods to compensate for any gaps in childcare facilities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Apr 2015

Criteria for Selecting HDB Blocks for Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme

The Minister for National Development outlined three criteria for selecting HDB blocks for the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS): availability of suitable rehousing sites to preserve community ties, economic viability considering redevelopment potential and acquisition costs, and availability of financial resources.
In response to a query about polling residents in older flats, the Minister explained that while community input is valued, SERS decisions are primarily top-down and depend on meeting the three criteria, including financial viability, which may not align with resident preferences.
The Minister confirmed that residents affected by SERS would receive priority in selecting replacement flats near their original homes, addressing concerns about rehousing continuity.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Mar 2015

Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill

The Bill amends the Land Acquisition Act to allow the Government to acquire specific strata of underground or airspace for public projects, offering market value compensation for acquired rights and additional compensation for damage to remaining land.
It introduces a clearer framework for temporary land occupation, including a schedule for compensation claims, stricter timelines, and an appeals process, while excluding business loss and profit from compensation.
Members raised concerns about valuing new types of land rights, the duration of temporary occupation, and fairness in compensation, with the Minister confirming existing valuation methods and flexible notice periods while upholding the policy against business loss compensation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Mar 2015

State Lands (Amendment) Bill

The Senior Minister of State for Law introduced the State Lands (Amendment) Bill to clarify ownership of underground space, highlighting its potential to free up surface land for housing, parks, and improved connectivity, with examples like the Jurong Rock Caverns saving 60 hectares.
The Bill amends the State Lands Act to define underground ownership as extending to 30 metres below the Singapore Height Datum, a fixed benchmark based on historical sea level, providing clarity after industry consultation and comparison with existing building depths.
The amendments ensure surface landowners retain rights to use underground space for basements and structural support without affecting existing developments, and include consequential changes to other Acts for legal consistency.
The move aims to optimize Singapore's scarce land resources by enabling long-term planning for underground development, with future visions and public feedback to be sought from the Ministry of National Development.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Mar 2015

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

Several MPs raised concerns about public cleanliness, with calls for community-driven initiatives, stricter enforcement against littering and high-rise littering, and the use of technology like cameras and citizen reporting to improve hygiene standards.
Topics on environmental health included managing dengue through measures like Wolbachia mosquito control, tackling air pollution from vehicles and industry, and addressing transboundary haze through regional cooperation and the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act.
Waste management was a key focus, with proposals to boost recycling of e-waste and food waste, reduce plastic bag usage, and adopt sustainable practices, while the government outlined plans for a "Zero Waste Nation."
Hawker centre issues were debated, including affordability of food, rental policies, management models, and the need to build more centres faster, with the government announcing plans for additional centres by 2027.
Water sustainability was discussed, with updates on desalination plants, water conservation efforts, and measures to prepare for dry spells, alongside the progress of the ABC Waters Programme to enhance public spaces.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Mar 2015

Environmental Impact Assessment for Cross-Island MRT Line

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about the progress of the environmental impact assessment for the Cross-Island MRT Line, measures to minimise ecosystem repercussions, and assurances on protecting the central catchment nature reserve.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport confirmed the alignment is undecided, with options to go under or around the reserve, and that the environmental impact assessment was initiated early and scoped with input from nature groups, targeted for completion in 2016.
The government's final alignment decision will balance the assessment findings with engineering feasibility, travel time, cost, and potential impacts on affected residents.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

23 Feb 2015

Update on Sustainable Singapore Blueprint 2015

The Ministry has released the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint 2015 and is implementing various initiatives, including tighter vehicle emissions standards, plans for car-lite towns, and centralised recycling chutes in new flats.
Active, Beautiful and Clean Waters (ABC) programme projects, such as those at Bukit Batok Canal and Kallang River, are underway to enhance green and blue spaces, with more policy reviews planned for the coming years.
The Ministry emphasizes that achieving the vision requires collective action from individuals, businesses, and the community, highlighting partnerships like the RENEW e-waste recycling programme.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source