Key Lessons from and Extension of Pilot Community Disputes Management Framework in Tampines
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the key lessons learned from the pilot Community Disputes Management Framework (CDMF) in Tampines alongside its nationwide rollout timeline and staffing, as raised by Mr Ang Wei Neng. Minister Chee Hong Tat clarified that the pilot specifically tested the Community Relations Unit (CRU) and mediation direction framework, which were expanded nationwide from 1 September 2026. He highlighted that a crucial operational lesson was the importance of close inter-agency coordination among the Housing and Development Board, People's Association, Singapore Police Force, and Community Mediation Centre. Minister Chee Hong Tat stated that the team has been scaled up to handle severe cases of noise nuisance and hoarding with investigative and abatement powers, with resources continually adjusted according to caseload demands. Finally, he emphasized that statutory intervention is meant only for severe cases and cannot replace early communication and mutual consideration among neighbours.
Transcript
110 Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for National Development (a) what key lessons have been learnt from the pilot Community Disputes Management Framework (CDMF) in Tampines; (b) what is the projected timeline for implementing the CDMF nationwide; (c) what is the current staff strength for supporting the pilot in Tampines; and (d) what staff strength will be required for nationwide implementation.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Community Disputes Management Framework (CDMF) is an overarching framework established in 2014 to help residents resolve neighbourly disputes. It provides multiple avenues of resolution, ranging from informal mediation by grassroots leaders and formal sessions at the community mediation centre (CMC), to targeted enforcement and mediation directions and finally, legal recourse at the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) as a last resort.
Within this framework, the pilot in Tampines was specifically for the Community Relations Unit (CRU) and the mediation direction framework, which we have expanded nationwide since 1 September 2026, to provide stronger support for neighbours to resolve their disagreements early and amicably. CRU was set up to carry out targeted intervention for severe and recalcitrant cases, focusing on excessive neighbour noise nuisance and hoarding within residential units. With investigative powers, such as the ability to take statements and deploy noise monitoring sensors, and powers to issue abatement orders or mediation directions, CRU intervenes in a small minority of severe neighbour noise cases that cannot be addressed through community mediation and CDRT.
The CRU pilot reinforced valuable operational lessons, particularly the importance of close inter-agency coordination among the Housing and Development Board, the People's Association, the Singapore Police Force and CMC. We have scaled our team to support the nationwide rollout, and we will continue to monitor caseloads and operational demands to adjust resourcing where necessary.
Even as the Government puts these enforcement tools and support structures in place, statutory intervention cannot replace mutual consideration. Government agencies and legal mechanisms are meant for the most severe cases. Ultimately, building a harmonious neighbourhood requires neighbours to communicate early, exercise give-and-take and resolve disagreements among themselves.