Impact of Numerous Heavy Construction Projects
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the impact of numerous heavy construction and redevelopment projects, such as en bloc transactions and MRT developments, on Singapore's infrastructure and residents. Minister Lawrence Wong stated that agencies assess the cumulative impact of concurrent projects on people, buildings, and the environment before construction is allowed to proceed. To mitigate noise disamenities, the National Environment Agency enforces strict limits and requires measures like shielding noise sources, using quieter equipment, and restricting work durations. Additionally, the Land Transport Authority requires developers of large-scale projects to conduct Transport Impact Assessments to identify and mitigate potential effects on traffic flows. Enforcement actions, including the issuance of stop work orders for repeat offenders, are taken against developers who fail to comply with these regulatory and safety requirements.
Transcript
The following question stood in the name of Mr Ganesh Rajaram –
1 To ask the Minister for National Development given the record number of en bloc transactions in the property market and coupled with ongoing development and construction work surrounding new MRT stations and lines (a) whether the Ministry has conducted a study on the impact of the numerous heavy construction projects and redevelopment works on our tiny island; and (b) what measures has the Ministry taken to mitigate the impact on existing infrastructure as well as inconvenience to people.
Mr Kok Heng Leun (Nominated Member): Question No 1.
The Minister for National Development (Mr Lawrence Wong): Mr Speaker, Sir, to meet the needs of Singaporeans, such as housing, transport, healthcare or education, it is not uncommon for multiple development projects to be taking place across our island at any one time.
When assessing development projects before construction is allowed to proceed, agencies take into account the impact of construction arising from that particular project on the people, the existing buildings and infrastructure, and the environment in the surrounding area. In addition, agencies consider the impact of other construction works taking place at the same time in the area.
To minimise potential noise disamenities from construction works, the National Environment Agency imposes noise limits on construction sites under the Environmental Protection and Management Act. Mitigating measures, such as shielding noise sources, using quieter equipment and cleaner construction methods, monitoring vibration levels, and restricting the duration of noisy activities, are implemented, where necessary.
For large-scale projects, the Land Transport Authority also requires developers to conduct a Transport Impact Assessment to identify the potential impact of construction on traffic flows and propose mitigation measures, where necessary.
Enforcement action will be taken against developers who violate regulatory requirements, and a "stop work order" may be imposed on repeat offenders.