reporter2
18-07-12, 22:55
http://www.straitstimes.com/Singapore/Story/STIStory_820954.html
Building industry 'can meet demand for new flats'
Published on Jul 11, 2012
THE National Development Ministry is confident that the construction industry can deliver on the large infusion of HDB flats promised in the coming years without compromising on quality.
It said the industry should have enough capacity to meet all construction demand, which it does not expect to exceed the peaks of the past.
Still, the Housing Board will continue to monitor closely the process of building new flats, the ministry said, in a written reply on Monday to Ms Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC).
She had asked a string of questions on the industry's ability to cope, amid tightening labour laws, with the Government's plan to offer 50,000 flats in two years. She asked if quality would suffer.
The ministry pointed out that annual construction demand is not projected to exceed $27 billion this year, nor in the next two years.
This is below the industry's peak demand of $36 billion in 2008.
Also, private-sector construction is expected to slow down, so there 'should be sufficient capacity to deliver new public housing flats, which account for about
20 per cent of the overall construction demand', it added.
As for quality, it said a rigorous system is in place to monitor flat construction.
This includes monitoring contractors, having quality assurance processes and audit checks on the works before the flats are handed to their owners.
It acknowledged that stricter labour laws will affect the industry, but added that it is coping through programmes to upgrade and retain higher-skilled workers, as well as scholarships to attract newcomers.
As for the long wait at dumping grounds for excavated materials, the ministry said the HDB has extended operating hours and increased the handling capacity at the Changi site.
DARYL CHIN
Building industry 'can meet demand for new flats'
Published on Jul 11, 2012
THE National Development Ministry is confident that the construction industry can deliver on the large infusion of HDB flats promised in the coming years without compromising on quality.
It said the industry should have enough capacity to meet all construction demand, which it does not expect to exceed the peaks of the past.
Still, the Housing Board will continue to monitor closely the process of building new flats, the ministry said, in a written reply on Monday to Ms Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC).
She had asked a string of questions on the industry's ability to cope, amid tightening labour laws, with the Government's plan to offer 50,000 flats in two years. She asked if quality would suffer.
The ministry pointed out that annual construction demand is not projected to exceed $27 billion this year, nor in the next two years.
This is below the industry's peak demand of $36 billion in 2008.
Also, private-sector construction is expected to slow down, so there 'should be sufficient capacity to deliver new public housing flats, which account for about
20 per cent of the overall construction demand', it added.
As for quality, it said a rigorous system is in place to monitor flat construction.
This includes monitoring contractors, having quality assurance processes and audit checks on the works before the flats are handed to their owners.
It acknowledged that stricter labour laws will affect the industry, but added that it is coping through programmes to upgrade and retain higher-skilled workers, as well as scholarships to attract newcomers.
As for the long wait at dumping grounds for excavated materials, the ministry said the HDB has extended operating hours and increased the handling capacity at the Changi site.
DARYL CHIN