Delays to Completion of Neighbourhood Renewal Programme Projects Caused by COVID-19 Pandemic
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the completion timelines and average delays of Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) projects. Mr Sharael Taha inquired about pre-pandemic project durations and the extent of delays caused by safe management measures and labor shortages. Minister Desmond Lee responded that while construction typically takes 12 to 36 months, the pandemic led to delays ranging from several months to over a year. Most affected projects are completed or on track for completion within two years, with Town Councils implementing measures to facilitate progress. These efforts aim to address the increased costs and resource constraints that have hindered construction activities across both the public and private sectors.
Transcript
98 Mr Sharael Taha asked the Minister for National Development (a) in the past 10 years before the COVID-19 pandemic, what is the average number of months taken for a Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) project to be completed; (b) how has that changed since the COVID-19 pandemic; and (c) what is the average length of delay faced by an NRP project since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Desmond Lee: Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) projects are implemented by Town Councils, which procure design consultants and building contractors, engage residents and monitor project progress. Generally, the construction of an NRP project takes about 12 to 36 months, depending on the extent of works to be carried out.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed severe challenges for the construction industry. With the introduction of stringent safe management measures at worksites, tightening of border controls for foreign workers and delivery of materials, and an increase in labour and material costs, many public and private sector projects have been delayed. The extent of delays faced by NRP projects varies, depending on the site. Overall, COVID-19 has contributed to delays in NRP projects ranging from several months to more than a year.
Several of the NRP projects which faced construction delays due to COVID-19 have already been completed and the remaining projects are on track to be completed over the next one to two years. Where possible, Town Councils should work with their contractors to put in place mitigating measures to facilitate the timely completion of the NRP projects.