Infrastructure & development — Topics

14 Apr 2014

Enhancing Commitment to Climate Change

Ms Faizah Jamal called for a comprehensive "whole-of-Government" review of development plans and past strategies to align Singapore's climate commitments with the UN IPCC's recommendations.
Teo Chee Hean, for the Prime Minister, outlined Singapore's multi-pronged approach, including the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change, the Centre for Climate Research Singapore, and specific measures like raising coastal land reclamation levels and diversifying food and water sources.
The government highlighted Singapore's international climate commitments, including a 7–11% emissions reduction by 2020 and a deeper 16% cut if a global agreement is reached, with energy efficiency as a key domestic strategy due to limited renewable energy options.

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14 Apr 2014

Conclusion of Lift Upgrading Programme

The Senior Minister of State confirmed that the LUP has equipped 98% of eligible HDB blocks with lift access, but about 200 blocks remain due to high costs and technical constraints, with HDB piloting new solutions like pneumatic vacuum elevators.
Parliament members raised concerns about the cost cap and suggested options like letting residents vote on paying extra costs, increasing the cap, or offering relocation grants, but the Ministry noted some retrofit costs are two to three times the cap and case-by-case assistance is provided.
HDB is open to continuing the program beyond the December deadline if viable engineering advancements emerge and is seeking public and student input through initiatives like "Cool Ideas for Better HDB Living" to address accessibility challenges.

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14 Apr 2014

Partnership with Local Companies for Government Projects

Teo Siong Seng asked if the Government could require key infrastructure projects to partner local companies to help them build expertise and overseas track records, but the government replied that WTO and Free Trade Agreement rules prohibit such conditions in public procurement.
The government instead supports local firms through funds like the Construction Productivity and Capability Fund, IE Singapore’s Global Company Partnership framework, and Clifford Capital for financing overseas projects.
Teo raised concerns about foreign companies bidding low in Singapore while restricting Singaporean firms overseas, questioning the fairness of WTO rules, and asked about schemes for government-linked companies to partner smaller firms overseas.
The government acknowledged the dual nature of WTO membership—opening markets while creating challenges—and encouraged further dialogue on specific support measures for local companies.

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12 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply – Head O (Ministry of Health)

The Ministry of Health will expand healthcare capacity by adding over 11,000 beds across acute, community, and nursing home facilities by 2020, including new hospitals and community hospitals in heartlands, while actively managing current demand through short-term measures like tapping private sector beds and interim caregiver services.
To improve affordability, the government will enhance subsidies for outpatient care, specialist services, and drugs, introduce a new flexi-MediSave scheme for the elderly, and implement MediShield Life with lifetime coverage, premium subsidies, and transitional support to ensure Singaporeans are not denied coverage due to cost.
The Ministry will strengthen preventive and community-based care through initiatives like the Healthy Living Master Plan, regional health systems, and telehealth projects, while also focusing on developing healthcare manpower by increasing local trainee intakes, converting mid-career professionals, and retaining staff through improved remuneration.

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11 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Multiple MPs raised concerns about the reliability and capacity of Singapore’s rail network, with the Minister outlining ongoing upgrades, new train arrivals, and a target to expand the rail network to 360 km by 2030.
The Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP) was expanded to add about 1,000 government-funded buses, with progress ahead of schedule and new routes introduced to improve connectivity and reduce crowdedness.
Discussions on cycling infrastructure, pedestrian safety, and taxi availability standards highlighted the need for integrated strategies and better enforcement to make alternative transport modes safer and more convenient.

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10 Mar 2014

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

MPs urged the government to expand affordable housing options for vulnerable groups such as divorcees with children, three-generation families, and the elderly, while also calling for a review of income ceilings for executive condominiums and the removal of waiting periods for certain applicants.
The debate highlighted concerns about Singaporeans investing in overseas properties, the long-term value of HDB leasehold properties, and the need for clearer policies on lease expiry and the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS).
Ministers confirmed the housing market is stabilizing, with measures like revising the cash-over-valuation (COV) process, enhancing the Lease Buyback Scheme, and increasing support for rental flat tenants, while emphasizing family-centric and inclusive housing policies.
Discussions also covered improving construction productivity, upgrading older estates, and ensuring better integration of amenities and community spaces in new and existing towns.
The government committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders to address housing, urban planning, and food security challenges, while affirming the importance of preserving nature areas and heritage in development plans.

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7 Mar 2014

Singapore's Water Sufficiency during Dry Spell

Singapore has maintained healthy water reserves during the dry spell by increasing desalination and NEWater production, with recent infrastructure investments such as the desalination plant adding significant capacity and the Linggiu Dam ensuring stable supply from Johor.
The government emphasized the importance of water conservation and urged both households and non-household users to reduce consumption, with measures like reducing water features and optimizing washing practices to manage demand.
There is no immediate operational need for water rationing, but public education on water scarcity is being prioritized, and rationing exercises may be considered as a preventive measure to reinforce conservation awareness.
The current situation underscores Singapore's water security strategy, which relies on diversified sources including local catchment, NEWater, desalination, and imported water, while aiming for self-sufficiency by 2061.

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3 Mar 2014

Bed Crunch at Restructured Hospitals

Arthur Fong questioned whether the Ministry of Health could have acted earlier to prevent the need for tentages in restructured hospitals amid a bed crunch.
The Minister for Health explained that the tent at Changi General Hospital is a purpose-built buffer facility to handle unexpected surges in demand, such as from seasonal factors or disease outbreaks, and is only used when necessary.
He added that long-term plans under the Healthcare 2020 Masterplan are being implemented to add over 11,000 beds by 2020, with new capacity coming online steadily to meet rising demand from an aging population.

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3 Mar 2014

Source Countries for Construction Workers

The government is exploring new source countries like Sri Lanka and the Philippines for skilled construction workers to meet infrastructure needs and boost productivity, not to replace but supplement existing sources from China, India, Thailand, and Bangladesh.
There is a deliberate policy shift toward quality over cost, including higher levies for basic-skilled workers and potential minimum quotas for higher-skilled workers, to encourage a smaller pool of more experienced and better-paid workers.
The government is not reducing recruitment from existing source countries but is extending employment periods for experienced workers to retain talent while exploring additional countries with higher labor costs if needed.

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18 Feb 2014

Sports Hub's Completion Schedule

Mr Nicholas Fang asked if the Sports Hub would open by April 2014 as targeted.
The Acting Minister confirmed the overall project is on track for April, though the National Stadium will need extra weeks for roof and seat testing.
A phased opening is planned, with facilities like the Aquatic Centre available from April and the National Stadium ready for events by June.

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17 Feb 2014

Criteria for Opening of Primary School in Neighbourhood

MOE uses national and local demand and supply trends, current and projected population, and planned housing development programmes to decide on opening new primary schools, ensuring sufficient catchment for each school's operations and activities.
The ministry aims for every child to have a place in a school reasonably near home but does not build a school in every area due to efficiency and student catchment requirements.
For Teban Gardens and Pandan Gardens, four primary schools within 2 km provide sufficient places, so there are no plans to build a new school or reopen Pandan Primary School.

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17 Feb 2014

Transportation Plans for New HDB BTO Developments on Former Keat Hong Camp Site

The Ministry has enhanced bus services in the Choa Chu Kang area, including adding trips to Services 975 and 300 and introducing new Service 982E for CBD travel during peak periods, with further bus services or re-routing planned as the new BTO developments are completed.
Additional train capacity is being added to the North-South and East-West Lines with 13 more trains this year and 28 more by 2016, along with 13 more train-cars for the Bukit Panjang LRT this year to manage rising demand.
The Ministry plans to continuously monitor and adjust transport arrangements, introducing new services or re-routing as needed to ensure sufficient capacity for both new and existing residents during morning and evening peaks.

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17 Feb 2014

Supply of Granite and Sand for Major Public Infrastructure and Other Building Projects

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene raised concerns about the sufficiency of granite and sand for major public infrastructure and building projects, and asked about plans to build up the national stockpile for resilience.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that supply resilience is ensured through source diversification by importing from multiple overseas sources, combined with the national stockpile to buffer against disruptions and minimise impact on construction.
The government will help the industry ramp up supply from diversified sources and identify new ones, while promoting alternative materials like steel, drywalls, and recycled concrete aggregates to reduce reliance on natural aggregates.

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17 Feb 2014

Land for Private Retirement Villages

Dr Lam Pin Min asked if more land will be released for private retirement villages following the successful pilot at Jalan Jurong Kechil, and whether the pilot met government objectives.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that developers can already build retirement housing on residential sites via private sources or the Government Land Sales programme, and that the Jalan Jurong Kechil site was released in 2006 with incentives like shorter lease tenure and GFA schemes to spur interest.
The minister noted that the retirement resort’s success will only be clear after completion and occupancy, while the government’s priority remains helping most seniors age in place within HDB estates through various upgrades and support services.

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17 Feb 2014

Impact of Bus Lane Schemes on Bus Speeds

Dr. Lam Pin Min inquired about the current status of Bus Lane Schemes and their effect on bus speeds, as well as the possibility of extending these schemes to include taxis.
In 2013, the Land Transport Authority added 25 km of bus lanes, mostly in the CBD, bringing the total to 203 km island-wide, and expanded the Mandatory Give Way to Buses scheme to about 200 bus stops.
Despite these additions, bus speeds remained steady at 17.3 km/h in 2013, even with increased bus services, but speeds are still below optimal levels.
The Minister expressed caution about extending bus lanes to include other vehicles like taxis due to concerns over potential adverse impacts on bus speeds.
The debate highlights the balance between expanding bus lane schemes and maintaining efficient bus operations amid growing public transport demands.

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17 Feb 2014

Time Extension for Fulfilling Government Building Contracts

Gan Thiam Poh asked if the Ministry can allow all government agencies to grant building contractors up to six months of time extension without imposing liquidated damages due to tightening foreign labour.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that measures like reducing the Man-Year Entitlement quota and raising foreign worker levies are intended to drive construction productivity and reduce reliance on foreign workers, with advance notice given to builders.
The Ministry provides alternatives such as MYE-waiver applications with higher levies and the Construction Productivity and Capability Fund to support contractors facing labour constraints.
Time extensions are already possible under standard contract provisions for justified delays, evaluated case-by-case while maintaining productivity and foreign worker reduction goals.

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17 Feb 2014

Financial-viability of Foreign Contractors Awarded Government Tenders

The Building and Construction Authority requires foreign contractors to register and be assessed for their financial capacity to complete projects, including independent credit ratings for larger tenders.
Foreign contractors can register as a local subsidiary, which is a separate legal entity not liable for the parent company’s debts, or as a branch, where Singapore assets must pay local debts first if the parent liquidates.
Public agencies monitor project progress for financial distress signs and will act to minimize cost or schedule impacts if a foreign contractor’s parent company fails.

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17 Feb 2014

Rapid Transit Systems (Amendment) Bill

The Bill amends the Rapid Transit Systems Act to increase the maximum financial penalty for rail incidents to 10% of the licensee's annual fare revenue or $1 million, whichever is higher, to strengthen deterrence against service disruptions.
It grants LTA enhanced regulatory powers, including the ability to compel rail operators to augment their board composition with necessary expertise and to develop commuter facilities like bicycle racks and improved station accessibility.
The amendments also introduce penalties to deter landowners from obstructing LTA's access to private land for timely construction works, aligning with existing penalties for impeding access to state land.
During the debate, MPs supported the Bill but raised concerns about the effectiveness of financial penalties alone, suggesting greater accountability for senior management and more proactive regulatory oversight to improve rail reliability.
The Minister for Transport emphasized recent improvements in rail reliability and clarified that fare adjustments do not factor in penalties, while highlighting the focus on engineering expertise in board composition and systematic problem-solving over punitive measures.

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20 Jan 2014

Development Plans for Mid-sized Theatres

Janice Koh inquired about the plans for the two mid-sized theatres originally proposed as part of the Esplanade and how the Ministry will address the rising demand for mid-sized venues in the central arts district.
Lawrence Wong confirmed that the original plans for the mid-sized theatres at the Esplanade are still under consideration, with detailed specifications being studied to determine costs, funding, and timing.
As an interim measure, the reopening of Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall in August 2014, with 600 and 670 seats respectively, will help alleviate the demand for mid-sized performing venues.

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20 Jan 2014

Waiting Time for Placement for Subsidised Stay in Nursing Homes

The mean waiting time for a subsidised nursing home bed is about four months, with priority given to seniors based on their care needs.
Singapore has over 60 nursing homes providing approximately 9,800 beds for the elderly with high care needs.
The government is ramping up capacity, adding nearly 1,000 beds in 2013 and planning an additional 3,500 by 2016 to reach 15,600 beds by 2020.
The expansion involves developing new nursing homes and on-site expansion of existing facilities to address the needs of Singapore's ageing population.

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