Infrastructure & development — Topics

16 Sep 2013

Relocation of Paya Lebar Airbase

Dr. Lim Wee Kiak questioned how Singapore’s airbase relocation would maintain RSAF operational readiness and security, with Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen affirming that defence capabilities like the ASTER-30 missile system and F-35 fighter evaluation will ensure no compromise to security.
The relocation of Paya Lebar Airbase to expanded Changi and Tengah bases is a long-term project until around 2030, aimed at freeing land for national development while enhancing base resilience through advanced designs.
Costs for the relocation are high due to complex engineering, but the net benefit from released land and airspace is assessed to be many billions of dollars positive for Singapore.
The RSAF’s order of battle will not be affected by the move, and future consolidation of airbases is not being studied, as the current plan with expanded Changi and Tengah bases meets operational needs.
Personnel transitioning from the older HAWK system to new systems like ASTER-30 will be smoothly retrained and redeployed, building on past experience with upgrades like the SPYDER system.

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12 Aug 2013

Enhancement of Barrier-free Facilities on Roads and in Estates

Mr Png Eng Huat asked whether the Ministry will work with LTA and HDB to enhance barrier-free facilities in light of Singapore's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Government affirmed its commitment to creating an accessible environment through the Enabling Masterplan, citing ongoing improvements such as ramps, tactile paving, accessible public transport, and Universal Design in HDB flats.
MSF highlighted the $40-million Accessibility Fund and the ongoing review of the Accessibility Code to expand accessibility features for the disabled, elderly, and families.
The Minister stated that more can be done and MSF will continue collaborating with other agencies, businesses, and the community to address accessibility needs.

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12 Aug 2013

Parking Facilities for Commercial Tour Buses

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap raised concerns about insufficient parking for commercial tour buses at tourist sites, the government's efforts to address it, and potential increases in Malaysian buses illegally ferrying tourists.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew acknowledged that agencies receive feedback on coach parking shortages and have implemented temporary parking where feasible, along with issuing advisories on parking locations.
For new attractions, LTA works with developers to include coach parking, while the government notes that cases of Malaysian buses illegally operating in Singapore have been minimal, with only one recorded in 2013.

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12 Aug 2013

Installation of Noise Barriers along Stretches of Central Expressway

Ang Hin Kee requested a pilot trial of noise barriers along Central Expressway sections facing residential areas to reduce elevated noise from expanded lanes and vehicles.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that the Land Transport Authority is launching a three-year trial of road noise barriers at three locations to assess technical feasibility and effectiveness.
The trial will determine the potential for wider implementation, while existing measures for CTE include tree planting and porous road pavement to lower noise.
LTA will continue exploring additional noise reduction measures with relevant agencies for Central Expressway.

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12 Aug 2013

Safety Issues Posed by Shotcreting Technique Used in Construction Works

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for National Development about safety concerns with shotcreting in construction, including whether it could worsen landslide risks and if the technique is used locally.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that shotcreting is a safe, proven method used locally and globally for tunnels, retaining walls, and slope stability, providing quick support to prevent erosion.
He cited local projects such as the Fort Canning Road Tunnel, Jurong Rock Caverns, Downtown Line 2 MRT Tunnel at Little India, and earth slopes at Jalan Dermawan and Parbury Avenue as examples of shotcreting use.

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12 Aug 2013

Demand for Heavy Vehicle Parking Space

Mr David Ong Kim Huat asked the Ministry for National Development about the current monthly applications for heavy vehicle season parking, the sufficiency of such parking spaces, and plans to meet demand if insufficient.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that URA and HDB receive about 430 monthly applications, with 40,650 licensed heavy vehicle lots available for 33,800 registered heavy vehicles, ensuring adequacy, and 10,200 lots are near housing estates for convenience.
The government is exploring new heavy vehicle parking options in high-demand areas, such as requiring developers in Woodlands to provide at least 80 additional lots, but faces challenges due to noise, safety, and limited land in residential estates.
Business owners are urged to ensure parking solutions and transportation arrangements for drivers rather than relying solely on public parking.

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12 Aug 2013

MRT Service Disruptions on Newer Lines

Png Eng Huat questioned why nearly half of major MRT disruptions from 2010 to mid-2013 occurred on newer lines, with the Circle Line accounting for about 30% of breakdowns.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that the Circle Line’s disruptions were mainly due to teething issues with its new power system, with cable replacement and increased maintenance expected to reduce future incidents.
He noted that the North East Line faced recent disruptions due to stress corrosion cracking in overhead power components, a unique issue in certain tunnels, which is being addressed through part replacement and material assessments.
Both lines are undergoing targeted interventions by LTA and operators to improve service reliability, with measures expected to yield results soon.
The Minister emphasized that the newer lines’ challenges stem from their advanced but initially less proven technologies, which are being systematically resolved.

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12 Aug 2013

Plans for Tampines Bike Park

Irene Ng asked if Tampines Bike Park will be closed, when, and what plans exist for replacement mountain bike and BMX tracks.
Lawrence Wong confirmed the park will close as the site is needed for residential use, with closure expected around mid-2014, and that alternatives like Bukit Timah, Kent Ridge, and Ketam trails are available for mountain biking.
The Singapore Sports Council is discussing potential replacement sites for the BMX track with land planning authorities and aims to announce a replacement by end-2014.

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9 Jul 2013

Use of Past Reserves since 2002

Mrs Lina Chiam asked how many times past reserves have been used for all purposes since 2002, following a media report on their use for Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) projects.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam explained that past reserves are accessed through the Net Investment Returns Contribution for annual spending, and used for land projects like reclamation and SERS, which convert reserves into state land without a drawdown.
Since 2002, past reserves funded 23 land reclamation and underground space projects and 32 SERS-related land acquisition projects, with the land and any future sale proceeds remaining part of past reserves.
In exceptional crises, such as the 2009 global recession, past reserves can be drawn down with parliamentary and presidential approval, as was done for the Jobs Credit Scheme, with the amount later fully repaid.
Any use of past reserves follows strict principles to ensure sustainability, with actual drawdowns limited to extraordinary circumstances and requiring high-level consents.

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9 Jul 2013

Impact of Insolvency of Main Contractor for MRT Downtown Line

The insolvency of Alpine Bau GmbH, the main contractor for three Downtown Line stations, has led to a suspension of works, with LTA securing the sites and managing subcontractors to maintain safety and equipment, resulting in an inevitable delay and additional costs for the project.
The government has terminated Alpine's contracts and will pursue claims against the company, leveraging a significant performance bond and retention sum held by LTA to recoup some of the additional costs incurred.
MPs expressed concern over the impact on students and traffic congestion, with the Minister assuring that minimizing delays and completing the line with as little disruption as possible is a top priority.

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9 Jul 2013

Encouraging Property Owners to Construct Pedestrian Linkages between Buildings

Alex Yam asked about the number of buildings with pedestrian linkages in the CBD and shopping belt, challenges in getting owners to agree, and whether legislation should make them compulsory.
The Senior Minister of State reported over 40 underground and 28 elevated links, noting incentives like cash grants and requirements for new developments, but highlighted slow uptake due to costs, disruptions, and space concerns.
Alex Yam followed up with questions on adoption rates, a specific example of a gap between buildings, making incentives more attractive, and reconsidering compulsory legislation.
The Minister responded that incentives were recently revised, GFA exemptions are considered for ventilation needs, and URA requires links for new redevelopments but does not plan legislation, preferring collaboration with owners.

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9 Jul 2013

Use of HDB Rooftop Space

Sylvia Lim questioned the policy change requiring Town Councils to provide HDB rooftop space to telecom companies without charging, citing potential burdens on Town Councils due to frequent access requests and costs.
The Minister explained that the policy aims to improve mobile coverage by ensuring minimum deployment space for operators, applied consistently across all buildings, with flexibility in location and no upfront charges to facilitate faster deployment.
The Minister noted that existing lease agreements for mobile space would be honored until expiry, and public consultations showed no objections to the changes, emphasizing benefits to residents and balanced stakeholder needs.
Sylvia Lim sought clarification on whether rooftops offer better coverage and highlighted the 74 monthly access requests in Aljunied, suggesting potential reimbursement for Town Council costs.
The Minister responded that coverage improvement depends on location, not necessarily rooftops, and agreed to review the access charge issue based on feedback from Town Councils.

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8 Jul 2013

Commuter Capacity of Stadium MRT Station

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene inquired about the current commuter capacity of Stadium MRT station and whether it can handle increased volume when the Sports Hub is operational, especially during major events.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that the station was designed with more fare gates and larger concourses than other stations to accommodate large crowds, with gates at both ends for better accessibility.
SMRT will coordinate with the Sports Hub on crowd management, including running more frequent trains, deploying additional mobile fare gates, and providing signage and ushers to guide commuters.

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8 Jul 2013

Signalised Traffic Crossings along Main Roads for Pedestrians

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Transport about the conditions required to implement signalised pedestrian crossings on main roads.
LTA considers traffic volume, road geometry, and pedestrian safety and convenience when deciding on such crossings.
Signalised crossings are typically provided where there is high interaction between pedestrians and vehicles.
If signalised crossings would slow down bus and traffic speeds, LTA may opt for alternatives like pedestrian overhead bridges or underpasses.

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8 Jul 2013

Potential Sites for More Food Centres in Punggol East

Lee Li Lian inquired about plans to identify potential sites for more food centres in Punggol East.
Khaw Boon Wan stated there are currently 12 food establishments in Punggol East, including four eating houses/foodcourts and eight cafes/restaurants.
HDB will provide more food establishments in Punggol East alongside future public housing developments there.

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8 Jul 2013

Access Solutions for the Physically-Challenged and Elderly Residents Living in Old HDB Estates

HDB subsidises up to 95% for ramps for flats with a one-step difference under the EASE programme, but building ramps for flats with more steps is technically challenging and costly, and HDB is exploring affordable solutions with industry partners.
Residents can install ramps not covered by EASE at their own cost with HDB and Town Council approval, and may seek financial assistance from ComCare or Volunteer Welfare Organisations if needed.
For those unable to implement solutions, HDB allows flat swopping by selling the existing flat and buying a resale flat from the open market.

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8 Jul 2013

Food Centres at Rivervale Delta

Ms Lee Li Lian asked if there are plans for food centres in the Rivervale Delta BTO project and whether the Ministry would consider them if not planned.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated there are no plans to include a food centre, citing adequate nearby F&B facilities.
He noted that Block 182A Rivervale Crescent has an eating house, minimart, and cake shop, located right next to the new BTO.
He also mentioned Rivervale Mall is a five- to 10-minute walk away with various F&B outlets, including an NTUC Foodfare foodcourt.
The Ministry concluded that existing options sufficiently meet residents' needs, making a new food centre unnecessary.

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8 Jul 2013

Financing Arrangements for Changi Motorsports Hub Project

The Ministry explained that the Changi Motorsports Hub was always intended as a fully private commercial venture, unlike the public-private partnership model used for the Sports Hub, and the project was terminated because the winning bidder failed to secure financing after paying for the land.
The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) incurred no direct costs beyond standard tender expenses, with any post-termination site costs to be deducted from the eventual partial refund to the defaulting bidder, SG Changi.
After reassessing market interest, the Government concluded that providing public subsidies or concessions for the project was not a good use of public funds, given its limited community impact and commercial nature.
The Government has learned to be more cautious in evaluating the financial strength and potential financing challenges of bidders in future tenders to prevent similar occurrences.

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8 Jul 2013

Impact of Recent Malaysia General Elections on Singapore's Investments

Dr. Lim Wee Kiak questioned the implications of the Malaysian General Election on Singapore, including the impact on Singaporean investments in Iskandar and Malaysia, and the future of the high-speed rail link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, K Shanmugam, noted that the election results return Barisan Nasional to power, expected to advance transformation plans, and highlighted strengthened bilateral ties and progress in joint projects like Iskandar Malaysia.
Singapore has seen growing foreign direct investments in Malaysia, with significant commitments in Iskandar Malaysia, and both countries are committed to enhancing connectivity through projects like the High-Speed Rail and Rapid Transit System links.

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13 May 2013

Foreign Worker Quota for the Construction Sector

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked if the foreign worker quota for construction projects should be based on the year the project is awarded rather than the year it starts.
The government has progressively reduced the Man-Year Entitlement (MYE) since 2010 to promote productivity-led growth, with reductions applying only to applications lodged after each cut to encourage quicker industry response.
The quota changes were phased over four years, and the Dependency Ratio Ceiling was not reduced to ensure completion of key infrastructure projects, while supporting the sector’s transformation through assistance schemes and technology adoption.

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