Coordination of Works Required for Telephony, Gas and Utilities Supply Services under Estate Upgrading Programme
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns measures under the Estate Upgrading Programme (EUP) to coordinate utility works like telephony and gas supply, as raised by Dr Tan Wu Meng. Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong explained that EUP projects are coordinated with public works, with the Public Utilities Board (PUB) engaging residents and external providers to minimize service disruptions. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) manages road works by requiring sequential staging by different providers followed by road resurfacing to expedite the process and minimize road occupation. Coordination meetings involving PUB, LTA, and the Building and Construction Authority or EUP consultants ensure that all relevant parties are alerted to and manage works affecting the project. These policies aim to reduce residents' inconvenience, although the Minister acknowledged that some level of disamenity remains inevitable while construction works are in progress.
Transcript
64 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for National Development what measures are undertaken under the Estate Upgrading Programme for private estates to better coordinate and expedite the works performed by external partners providing telephony, gas supply and other such utilities.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Every effort is made to coordinate and expedite the various types of work performed under the Estate Upgrading Programme (EUP). Attempts are made to coordinate EUP improvement works with other public works like drainage upgrading by the Public Utilities Board (PUB).
For drainage upgrading, in particular, this sometimes involves temporary disruptions to telecommunications, electrical and gas services. To minimise these disruptions, PUB engages residents prior to commencement of the works, while maintaining close coordination with external service providers. PUB also updates residents on the progress of the works.
From time to time, external service providers may carry out road works like laying telecommunication lines, gas pipes or electrical cables. These service providers will have to seek the Land Transport Authority's (LTA's) prior approval. If these providers have works along the same stretch of road, LTA will facilitate coordination between the parties and require them to stage their works sequentially. When the last party has completed its works, the affected stretch of road will then be properly resurfaced. This arrangement speeds up the entire process and minimises road occupation and inconvenience to road users and residents.
I want to assure Members that for EUP construction projects, both PUB and LTA are involved in the EUP coordination meetings. The Building and Construction Authority/EUP consultant, as the overall project coordinator, would then be alerted of other works affecting the project and coordinate with the relevant parties on the works.
I hope Members understand that while we aim to minimise inconvenience to residents, there will always be some level of disamenity and inconvenience while the works are in progress.