Infrastructure & development — Topics

15 Nov 2012

Update on Plans to Promote Eco-friendly Transport

Under the National Cycling Plan, more than 50km of dedicated off-road cycling paths will be provided at seven HDB towns by 2014, linked to the Park Connector Network where feasible.
Additional secure and well-lit bicycle parking spaces are being added at major transport nodes, with 900 more racks at 10 more MRT stations by 2Q2013.
A $74 million programme to build covered link-ways connecting transport nodes to key amenities is largely completed, with plans to review its extension.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Nov 2012

Rise in Sea Level off Singapore

The mean sea level off Singapore has risen by 45 millimetres over the past 15 years, with projections of up to 650 millimetres by 2100.
New reclamation projects since 1991 are built at least 1.25 metres above the highest tide, with the buffer increased to 2.25 metres last year.
Additional measures include reinforcing existing hard walls and stone embankments to protect against coastal erosion.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Nov 2012

Residents' Profile when Singapore's Population Reaches Six Million

Pritam Singh and Png Eng Huat asked the Prime Minister to specify how the additional 690,000 people to reach a six million population would be divided among new citizens, permanent residents, and non-residents, and what social and housing price impacts are projected.
Both MPs also questioned whether existing infrastructure like transport, healthcare, and housing is adequate for the current 5.31 million population, what future population density targets are, and whether quality-of-life surveys have been conducted.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean responded that the government is ramping up infrastructure development to match population growth and is preparing a White Paper on Population to holistically address societal, environmental, and economic sustainability, incorporating extensive public feedback.
Teo Hean noted that the government has engaged stakeholders and received over 2,000 pieces of feedback, which will inform the White Paper, but declined to release piecemeal studies, preferring to address the issue comprehensively in the upcoming document.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Nov 2012

Replacement of MRT Circle Line Power Cables

The Circle Line power cable faults were traced to a combination of manufacturing defects, installation damage, and accelerated deterioration from water seepage, with an 18-month replacement programme for over 1,000 cables set to begin in January 2013, costing $12 million borne by the contractor and $2–3 million by LTA for higher-grade cables.
The Minister highlighted that while international standards were followed, microscopic defects not detectable by factory or site tests were found, leading to increased inspection frequency and the use of higher-grade cables in areas with high water tables.
Lessons learned include reviewing cable specifications and installation methods for future lines like the Downtown and Thomson Lines, and implementing measures such as cable troughs and water pumps to prevent water exposure.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Nov 2012

Update on MRT Downtown Line 2 Construction

The Minister confirmed the Downtown Line Stage 2 remains on track for a 2015 completion, though some sections along the Bukit Timah corridor have faced delays due to adverse soil conditions and restricted working hours from resident complaints.
LTA is implementing measures to mitigate slippage, such as extending project hours and exploring ways to shorten track and E&M work periods, without revising the overall timeline.
LTA pledged to keep the Member informed on progress and speed-up opportunities, and appreciated the cooperation of residents and advisors in supporting the construction.
LTA is focusing on improving the last-mile experience by designing thoughtful pedestrian pathways and extending sheltered linkways beyond the current 200-meter radius around stations like Bukit Panjang.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Nov 2012

Budgeting for Infrastructure Projects

Christopher de Souza asked whether the Ministry of Transport would conduct an internal, confidential cost calculation for infrastructure projects before tendering to ensure proper funding and avoid pressuring sub-contractors' fees.
The Parliamentary Secretary explained that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) prepares cost estimates based on norms and market rates, keeps them confidential, and calls competitive tenders while assessing quality and value for money, without influencing sub-contractors' fees.
De Souza clarified his concern was about sub-contractors, questioning whether LTA would reject bids significantly lower than its internal estimate to prevent unsustainable projects and further squeezing of sub-contractors.
The Parliamentary Secretary reassured that LTA assesses projects accurately, consults the industry, and considers quality and feasibility, not just the lowest bid, to ensure realistic project implementation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Nov 2012

Schedule of Work Stages in Lift Upgrading Programme

Png Eng Huat asked about the average time lags in the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) and whether HDB could assist residents in flats not selected due to design-related cost issues.
Lee Yi Shyan responded that from announcement to polling typically takes about a year, and from polling to completion generally takes another two and a half years, with HDB working to expedite projects while maintaining quality and safety.
Png Eng Huat highlighted that some LUP batches in Hougang were overdue, specifically asking about Batch 9’s planned 2014 completion, and Lee Yi Shyan agreed to look into specific cases causing delays.
Christopher de Souza and Baey Yam Keng raised concerns about delayed construction in other constituencies and suggested relocation packages for non-benefiting units, with Lee Yi Shyan noting ongoing efforts to address mobility issues and considering suggestions.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Nov 2012

Bomb Shelters in HDB Flats

Denise Phua Lay Peng raised concerns about the space efficiency of bomb shelters in shrinking HDB flats, noting they are often used as store rooms and suggesting alternatives be considered with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Lee Yi Shyan explained that all residential buildings, including HDB flats, must provide shelters per the Civil Defence Shelter Act, with HDB opting for household shelters due to advantages like immediate protection and lower security risks compared to shared staircase shelters.
HDB has improved shelter layouts over time, reducing space requirements while maintaining compliance, and the government views these shelters as a necessary "insurance policy" for crises despite their peacetime storage use.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Nov 2012

Lift Upgrading Programme's Cost and Benefit to Each Household

The cost per benefiting housing unit is computed by dividing the total cost of upgrading a block by the number of units directly benefiting from the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP), and HDB has consistently used this basis but will not change it as the programme nears its end.
HDB is focusing on completing the remaining feasible blocks by 2014, but some blocks cannot be upgraded due to high costs or technical constraints, and HDB continues to seek solutions for them.
Residents in non-benefiting blocks who face physical barriers due to age or medical conditions can approach HDB for special assistance to improve their quality of life.
The LUP is a large-scale program with a $5 billion budget covering 5,000 blocks, and HDB works to find cost-effective technical solutions for challenging blocks while maintaining financial prudence.
Beyond lift upgrades, HDB is exploring alternatives for residents in difficult blocks, such as partial landings, and encourages those with severe disabilities to contact HDB for tailored assistance.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Nov 2012

Test-Bedding of Solar Photovoltaic Installations

The government has supported solar PV test-bedding through HDB’s Solar Capability Building Scheme and EDB’s CERT Programme, with installations at HDB blocks, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and other public sites, yielding data on feasibility and best practices in Singapore’s climate.
HDB’s solar PV systems generate about 3,200–4,000 kWh monthly per block for common services, reducing grid dependency, while the government remains open to various energy options based on economic viability.
The government will continue facilitating solar PV adoption and may expand installations on public buildings where cost-effective, but scaling beyond current targets depends on feasibility studies and economic sense.
The private sector is expected to evaluate solar PV’s cost-effectiveness, supported by government infrastructure and regulatory reviews to encourage wider adoption.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Nov 2012

Barrier-free Accessibility Programme

The Minister reported that the Barrier-Free Accessibility (BFA) programme has been completed for all 7,791 HDB blocks, with basic features like ramps and railings retrofitted, and future upgrades may be incorporated through Town Council initiatives.
New HDB estates and all new buildings in Singapore are required to follow Universal Design standards mandated by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), ensuring barrier-free features are included from the start.
Close to 100% of frequently used public sector infrastructure, such as hospitals, markets, and MRT stations, now have basic barrier-free accessibility, including ramps, accessible lifts, and ground-level toilets.
The BCA provides an Accessibility Fund for private building owners to upgrade their premises, with 110 projects approved, leading to barrier-free areas like Orchard Road.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Nov 2012

Orchard Road Underground Pedestrian Links

URA is developing a comprehensive underground pedestrian network for all-weather connectivity in Marina Bay, CBD, and Orchard Road, with land sale conditions facilitating links in newer developments.
Progress on Orchard Road has been slow due to existing buildings, with limited links at MRT stations for newer sites, while older developments face challenges and low take-up for the Cash Grant Incentive Scheme.
The links aim to improve Orchard Road traffic flow by encouraging MRT use and reducing pedestrian crossings and related incidents, though owners have concerns about construction disruptions and space loss.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Nov 2012

Reasons for Higher Bill for Downtown MRT Line

The significant cost increase for the Downtown Line, from an original $12 billion budget to $20.7 billion, was primarily due to rising construction and material prices from 2007 onwards, along with project enhancements like an extended alignment, an additional station, and more entrances for better connectivity.
The Transport Minister explained that price fluctuation clauses in contracts, which are standard practice, allowed the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to bear the risk for key material cost increases, resulting in lower initial tender prices but also leading to higher costs when market prices surged.
The government emphasized that LTA follows best practices in procurement, including a two-stage tender process evaluating quality and price, and aims to increase competitiveness by inviting more firms, including local and international contractors, to bid for projects.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Source of Funds for NTU's Campus Transformation

The $700 million for NTU's campus transformation will be funded by a combination of Government funding and NTU's own resources, primarily for new learning facilities and residential halls to accommodate increasing student enrolment.
The expenditure aims to enhance the learning environment by promoting student interaction and collaboration, and providing more opportunities for residential learning programs to better prepare graduates for a globalized economy.
The Government expects no significant impact on university fees, as any fee adjustments are carefully considered annually in consultation with the MOE, taking into account education costs and economic conditions, with infrastructure costs subsidized and spread across student enrolment.
The Government remains committed to affordability and provides financial assistance for students from low-income families, while conducting annual reviews of university expenditures to ensure responsible use of funds.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Traffic Congestion after the Havelock Road Exit from the CTE

Ellen Lee inquired about plans to alleviate traffic congestion at the Havelock Road exit from the CTE due to nearby traffic light junctions and the timeline for implementation.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that traffic lights are already optimized for high throughput, with congestion typically contained within the slip road but occasionally causing tailbacks.
He noted that road capacity cannot be increased due to the densely built-up area, but the government plans to build the North-South Expressway and Thomson MRT Line to provide alternatives to the CTE for accessing the CBD from the north.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Strata Title Area Of Non-Landed Properties

Ellen Lee sought detailed statistics on the strata title area of non-landed properties sold under collective sale agreements or redeveloped, broken down by the age of the estates from 2000 to 2012.
K Shanmugam stated that the collective sale regime promotes optimal land use through majority consent, but the specific statistics requested are not tracked.
He noted that over 20,000 units have been collectively sold since 2000, leading to the creation of 2 to 3 units after redevelopment on average.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Shutting Down Lift Shafts

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked about the rationale for shutting down existing lifts after new ones are installed and why some precincts are unaffected.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the total number of lifts after the Lift Upgrading Programme will not be less than before, considering safety, service levels, and block design.
Optimizing lift numbers reduces maintenance and replacement costs for Town Councils, leading to lower service and conservancy charges for residents.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Waiting Time for HDB Rental Flats

The HDB Public Rental Scheme currently has 49,300 units, up from 45,500 two years ago, with plans to increase to 57,000 by 2015.
The average waiting time for a rental flat is about six months, though it can be longer for applicants insisting on specific locations or blocks.
The government is building more rental flats but emphasizes strict assessments to ensure they serve the vulnerable, while discouraging Singaporeans from selling their HDB flats expecting subsidized rental options.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Start of Operations For Punggol LRT West Loop

Dr Janil Puthucheary asked for a commencement date for the Punggol LRT West Loop, aligning with HDB's Phase 2 launch timeline.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew stated the loop will open in tandem with developments in Punggol West, with LTA monitoring and coordinating with the operator.
LTA is reviewing public transport plans for Punggol, including enhanced bus services and new routes under the Bus Services Enhancement Programme.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

16 Oct 2012

Empty Plots of Land around Woodlands Civic Centre

Ong Teng Koon asked if there are plans to develop the empty plots around Woodlands Civic Centre and whether the finalisation of the Woodlands MRT station on the Thomson Line has accelerated development timelines.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed there are plans to develop the land around Woodlands MRT into a regional centre to bring jobs closer to homes.
He stated that with the MRT station location finalised, the Urban Redevelopment Authority has begun reviewing development plans as part of the current Master Plan exercise.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source