Infrastructure & development — Topics

7 Oct 2014

Providing Direct Lift Access to Flats Not Eligible for Lift Upgrading Programme

Png Eng Huat asked for an update on new technologies to provide direct lift access to flats not eligible for the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) and whether there will be a specific LUP exercise for about 200 such flats.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that HDB is piloting two new lift solutions (Vertical Platform Lift and Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator) at non-residential sites, with completion expected by year-end, after which they will be tested and refined before potential residential use.
If the residential pilot is successful, these solutions could be offered to more low-rise blocks currently ineligible for the LUP, though some blocks may remain unsuitable and HDB will explore other measures to improve direct lift access.

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7 Oct 2014

Findings of Greenprint pilot programme in Jurong East

The HDB Greenprint pilot in Jurong East is testing sustainable initiatives like rainwater harvesting and solar panels, with completion expected by end of next year and potential extension to another pilot town for further feedback.
The rainwater harvesting system is primarily for non-potable uses like washing and irrigation, and while not viable as a standalone flood mitigation measure due to space and construction constraints, HDB is exploring integration with detention tanks in new estates.
The $1 million Greenprint Fund has awarded $350,000 to five innovative proposals, including community farming and solar-powered lighting, with projects now in various stages of construction and installation.

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9 Sep 2014

Preventing Major Underground Gas Leaks

Senior Minister of State Lee Yi Shyan detailed robust safety measures for Singapore’s gas pipelines, including risk assessments, high-strength materials, burial depths, regular inspections, leak surveys (monthly near MRT stations, annually elsewhere), and systematic replacement of pipelines nearing their 50-year service life.
The official highlighted that natural gas in Singapore dissipates quickly if leaked, unlike the heavier gas involved in the Taiwan incident, and that petrochemical pipelines on Jurong Island are under separate, stricter supervision with only one high-pressure leak case in the past five years.
Over the last five years, 500 minor gas leaks were detected (0.1 per km of pipeline), a rate comparable to Hong Kong and better than major cities like New York and London, with no casualties reported.
Water pipes are also maintained with a dynamic leak detection program checked at least annually, resulting in a low leak rate of six per 100 km of pipes, and older pipes are being systematically replaced with more durable materials.

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8 Sep 2014

Public Hospitals Undergoing Construction or Renovations

Sylvia Lim questioned what mechanisms ensure prudent spending in public hospital construction, renovations, and refurbishments, highlighting concerns over financial discipline.
Gan Kim Yong explained that MOH enforces rigorous reviews of planning parameters, cost benchmarks, and space allocation, with large projects over $500 million subject to further scrutiny by the Ministry of Finance's Gateway Process to optimize cost-effectiveness.
Public procurement for healthcare infrastructure is conducted via competitive tendering based on price and quality, ensuring the most competitive bids are selected.
To instill financial discipline, public hospitals must self-fund general renovations, refurbishments, and equipment replacements, promoting responsible management of infrastructure.
The overarching objective is to ensure healthcare facilities are functional, patient-friendly, and cost-effective while making optimal use of space and resources.

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8 Sep 2014

Upcoming Land Development on Top of Potong Pasir MRT Station

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin sought assurances that the upcoming land development above Potong Pasir MRT station would minimise inconveniences to residents and students, ensure safe access during construction, and not overburden town resources.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed the development is planned for commercial and residential use, with completion targeted by 2019, and outlined measures to mitigate construction impacts.
The URA and LTA will require the developer to conduct traffic studies, deploy traffic marshals, restrict construction vehicle access during school hours, and provide high hoardings and covered walkways.
The developer must also inform residents about the construction schedule and provide a contact point for feedback to address concerns during the project.
These steps aim to maintain pedestrian access to the MRT station and bus stops while reducing noise, dust, and traffic congestion.

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8 Sep 2014

Enhancement of Infrastructure in Yishun Prior to New Building Developments

Patrick Tay asked whether infrastructure like roads, public transport, and social facilities will be upgraded before new BTO projects and developments in Yishun.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that HDB plans towns comprehensively, working with agencies to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with housing developments.
Yishun is being revitalized under the Remaking Our Heartland Programme, with completed upgrades including a pedestrian mall, hospital, and pond.
An integrated development with a commercial complex, apartments, community club, and bus interchange has been launched at the town centre.
More parks, social facilities, and shops are planned, with LTA enhancing accessibility through projects like Yishun Avenue 8.

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8 Sep 2014

Price Guidelines for Services by City Gas

The Energy Market Authority regulates City Gas and PowerGas, and approves the charging guidelines for connecting residences to the town gas network, with costs based on the size and length of the required pipes.
The principle is that consumers bear the full cost of connecting their premises to the gas network, and those who disagree with the cost assessment can appeal to the Energy Market Authority for a review.
City Gas manages the connection process on behalf of PowerGas, which owns and operates the pipeline network, and there are no price guidelines specifically for the extension of gas mains beyond the approved connection charges.

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8 Sep 2014

Installation of Expressway Noise Barriers near Housing Estates

Liang Eng Hwa urged the Ministry of Transport to accelerate the installation of expressway noise barriers near housing estates such as Bukit Timah Expressway and Kranji Expressway.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that the Land Transport Authority is conducting a trial of noise barriers at three locations to evaluate their effectiveness, visual impact, and installation challenges.
Lui Tuck Yew mentioned that the trial will take some time but LTA aims to conclude it early and assess the suitability of barriers for other locations.

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8 Sep 2014

Delay in Opening of Ng Teng Fong Hospital

The six-month delay in opening Ng Teng Fong General Hospital is due to setbacks in exterior façade work, caused by production issues at a subcontractor's factory in Thailand and curfews there, though other hospital projects remain on schedule.
The Ministry of Health is mitigating the delay's impact by keeping Alexandra Hospital operational longer, adding beds from other hospitals, and implementing initiatives like GPFirst and post-discharge support to manage bed demand.
Collaborations with private hospitals are being explored as a long-term solution to increase capacity, with flexible models that use either public or private manpower, while efforts focus on improving care processes to reduce unnecessary admissions.
The Health Minister reassured that hospitals are managing patient wait times through proactive emergency department care and community programs, even as new facilities like Changi General Hospital’s integrated building open as planned.

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5 Aug 2014

Foreign Worker Dependency Ratio Ceilings for Harbourcraft Industry and Land Reclamation Project

Mary Liew asked about the dependency ratio ceilings for Singaporeans versus foreigners in the harbourcraft sector and the Tuas South Sand Reclamation Project.
Tan Chuan-Jin explained that harbourcraft operators' access to foreign workers is guided by manning requirements based on craft type and operations, not local employment levels, due to difficulty in attracting locals to the physically demanding job.
For reclamation work, access to foreign workers is determined by the scale of the project rather than local hiring, as the sector also struggles to recruit Singaporeans for long hours in open waters.
Both sectors are deemed essential to Singapore's operations and development, with efforts ongoing to attract more locals despite the challenging working conditions.

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5 Aug 2014

Parking for Private Buses

Lee Li Lian asked if the Ministry will prioritize private bus parking at public heavy vehicle car parks or consider separate bus car parks.
Khaw Boon Wan noted private buses make up 15% of heavy vehicles but occupy 37% of public heavy vehicle parking lots.
He stated it would be unfair to give private buses further priority over other heavy vehicles.
LTA and URA are studying with MOE to see if more school buses can be parked overnight within school premises.

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5 Aug 2014

Heavy Vehicle Parking Lots in Nee Soon

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about the number of heavy vehicle parking lots, waiting list applicants, waiting times, and plans for more lots in Nee Soon GRC.
Khaw Boon Wan stated there are nine public heavy vehicle parks with 1,100 fully subscribed lots and 360 applicants on the waitlist, with waiting times of three to eight months.
He noted challenges in building heavy vehicle parks near residences due to noise and safety concerns, but mentioned ongoing expansions and new industrial sites to provide additional lots.

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5 Aug 2014

Decision on Locations of Speed Cameras and CCTVs

Ms Lee Li Lian sought to expedite CCTV installations in HDB blocks with high crime reports, and asked if new BTO flats would have CCTVs installed upon obtaining TOP, with coordination from the Ministry of National Development.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs confirmed that police cameras are being installed at all 10,000 HDB blocks and multi-storey car parks, with 18,000 cameras already installed in 3,300 blocks by May 2012, and full coverage targeted for completion by 2016.
The installation schedule is regularly reviewed based on crime trends, community feedback, and Town Council recommendations to maximize crime deterrence and detection, alongside broader community policing initiatives.

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4 Aug 2014

Plans for Building of New MRT Station between Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Gombak Stations

Zaqy Mohamad asked if a new MRT station will be built between Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Gombak to serve residents of new HDB developments and when transport plans for these developments will be public.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that current residents are served by existing bus services and that LTA will add more buses to meet new demand.
He noted that building a new station is technically challenging, costly, and disruptive, but LTA will study feasibility if it becomes necessary.

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4 Aug 2014

Lack of Bed Space in Government Community Hospitals for Patients from Acute Hospitals

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef raised concerns about patients unable to transfer from acute to community hospitals due to bed shortages or affordability issues with private options.
Minister Gan Kim Yong outlined plans to expand community hospital capacity with new facilities and additional beds from current hospitals, aiming to add over 1,600 beds by 2020.
The Ministry of Health has implemented transitional care programs, home-based support, and interim caregiver services to facilitate patient discharge and recovery without relying solely on community hospital beds.
Subsidies for home-based rehabilitation and services at Senior Care Centres are provided to make community care more affordable and accessible.

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4 Aug 2014

Relocation of Sungei Road Market

Ms Faizah Jamal requested an update on the relocation of Sungei Road market from the Minister for Environment and Water Resources.
The Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, stated that development plans for the area will be confirmed only after the completion of Jalan Besar MRT station in 2017, with advance notice given once the timeline is set.
The National Environment Agency has advised vendors to consider alternative plans, such as relocating to affordable hawker centre stalls.
The NEA, along with the Workforce Development Agency and Social Service Offices, will help extend work and financial assistance schemes to regular vendors who need support.

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4 Aug 2014

Emergency Evacuation Plans at Sports Hub

Ang Hin Kee queried the safety and evacuation plans at the new Sports Hub to prevent disasters like the Bradford City and Hillsborough incidents.
Lawrence Wong stated the Sports Hub follows both local and UK safety codes, adopting the stricter guidelines and using advanced evacuation modelling.
He added that the Sports Hub's operational team has global experience and trains with local authorities, with ongoing reviews to ensure public safety.

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4 Aug 2014

Adequacy of Heavy Vehicle Parking Lots in Singapore

The Land Transport Authority reports 41,600 licensed heavy vehicle parking lots available, exceeding the 34,600 registered heavy vehicles, with 31,200 provided by the private sector and 10,400 by public agencies like URA and HDB.
Private parking lots are distributed across regions with the West having the most (14,700) and the North East the least (2,000), while public lots are more evenly spread, with the West having the highest (3,250) and the East the lowest (1,250).
Public heavy vehicle parking is in high demand due to lower costs and proximity to homes, resulting in significant waitlists across regions, with the West having the longest queue at 1,350 vehicles.
The average monthly fee for private lots is about $275 compared to $130 for public lots, but expanding public parking in residential areas is challenging due to resident concerns about noise and safety.

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9 Jul 2014

Feedback and Objections Received for Draft Master Plan 2013

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Minister for National Development for a summary of feedback and objections received on the Draft Master Plan 2013, whether public hearings or inquiries were held before the Master Plan 2014 was gazetted on 6 June 2014, and if not, whether such hearings are planned.
Khaw Boon Wan reported that 402 pieces of written feedback were received during the Draft Master Plan 2013 exhibition from 20 November to 19 December 2013, with most feedback focusing on housing and transport, and also covering economy, heritage, recreation, public spaces, compliments, enquiries, and information requests.
The overall feedback welcomed proposals for a more liveable, endearing, and sustainable Singapore, including more community, healthcare, commercial amenities, parks, greenery, cycling and walking initiatives, identity nodes, and new residential areas and regional centres.
For local concerns like traffic congestion and lack of amenities, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will work with other agencies to address them, and all feedback was studied, considered, and incorporated where feasible, with one hearing conducted for substantive new matters.
With the gazette of the Master Plan, the Draft Master Plan process has been completed, indicating no further public hearings or inquiries are planned beyond what was already conducted.

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9 Jul 2014

Universal Design for Bus Stops to Ensure Barrier-free Access

Miss Penny Low inquired about the Ministry of Transport’s plans to implement universal design across all bus stops to accommodate an ageing population and asked for a definition of universal design and for urgent action.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew confirmed the intent to make all bus stops universally designed and barrier-free, noting that 95% of bus stops already comply with accessibility codes since 2009, with remaining complex sites scheduled for upgrades starting next year.
The LTA is introducing additional enhancements like seats with grab bars and improved lighting, with plans to scale them up if found feasible, to support independent and barrier-free access for all users.

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