budget of $1.92 billion has been allocated to MND in FY2009

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Ministry of National Development (MND)
MND’s mission is:

To develop world-class infrastructure;
To create a vibrant and sustainable living environment; and
To build rooted and cohesive communities for Singapore.
A total budget of $1.92 billion has been allocated to MND in FY2009 to achieve this mission.

MND aims to achieve the following outcomes:

Affordable and Quality Public Housing
Rejuvenating and Remaking our Heartland
Best Built Environment for Our People
Making Singapore a Distinctive, Attractive & Vibrant City
Singapore as a City in a Garden
Ensure a Resilient Supply of Safe Food
Safeguard Animal and Plant Health, as well as Public Health from Zoonotic Diseases
Affordable and Quality Public Housing


Public housing has played a critical role in promoting rootedness and social cohesion among Singaporeans. It has given our people a tangible stake in the country and facilitated upward social mobility. It has also given Singaporean households an asset that they can monetise to meet retirement needs. MND will continue to provide affordable and quality public housing that meets the needs and aspirations of Singaporeans, and promote home ownership for the vast majority who can afford it. $212 million will be allocated to Housing Development Board as an operating grant for this purpose.

Rejuvenating and Remaking Our Heartland

$851 million will be spent to rejuvenate older housing estates through various estate renewal programmes so that residents can enjoy improved living conditions.

To achieve this outcome, HDB will be undertaking the following major initiatives and programmes: -

Remaking Our Heartland (ROH)


Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) is a comprehensive, bold new blueprint to transform our new, middle-aged and old HDB estates into more vibrant homes for Singaporeans. Through regular and extensive community outreach and engagement, ROH will also contribute to a sense of ownership among residents and fulfill aspirations for homes and communities all are proud of. In Punggol, the first new estate under ROH, new housing concepts such as waterfront housing, recreational facilities along the Punggol Waterway and a coastal promenade will be introduced. For middle-aged estates such as Yishun, a key element includes the improved upgrading programmes namely, the Home Improvement Programme and Neighbourhood Renewal Programme have been announced. These programmes to upgrade homes and the surrounding environment will benefit the estates. As for the old estates such as Dawson Estate, the new generation of public housing will include concepts such as housing-in-a-park, sky gardens and multi-generation living.

Home Improvement Programme (HIP)/Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP)

The HIP offers useful improvement items within the flat that residents value. These include toilet upgrades and a new entrance door/grille gate. The HIP also provides items that are necessary for public health, safety or technical reasons such as the replacement of deteriorating waste pipes, “bamboo pole holders” and upgrading of the electrical load. In addition, the HIP helps residents deal with maintenance problems that are common in aging flats such as ceiling leaks and spalling concrete.

The HIP comprises two components – Essential Improvements and Optional Improvements. Residents therefore have greater choice in the works included in the upgrading. For Singapore Citizen households, the Government will subsidise a major portion (87.5% to 95%) of the cost of the Optional Improvements depending on their respective flat types, and 100% of the Essential Improvements. In FY2009, 3,965 flats will complete upgrading under HIP.

The NRP focuses on precinct- and block-level improvements, on a larger area, comprising two or more contiguous precincts as far as possible. This enables better integration of facilities and ensures that improvements across neighbouring precincts complement one another. Residents are invited to provide feedback on the facilities to also create a stronger sense of ownership and belonging, and ensure that the items provided better meet their needs. The NRP is fully funded by the Government.

Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) /IUP Plus /Main Upgrading Programme (MUP)

In FY 2009, 72,332 flats will be completed under the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP).

In FY2009, 30,795 and 3,620 flats are expected to be completed under IUP plus and MUP respectively.

Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS)

Residents of about 1,200 flats will receive compensation for their properties acquired under the Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) in FY 2009. SERS optimizes land-use and presents a unique opportunity for residents living in older HDB estates to upgrade to new flats on fresh 99-year leases, while preserving family and community ties built over the years.

Housing Estate Management Programme

$111 million of operating grants will be provided to Town Councils to help cover service and conservancy costs.

$58 million will be spent to improve public facilities in public and private housing estates. The improvement to public housing estates will allow residents in HDB precincts to enjoy the conveniences of facilities like walkways and children’s playgrounds. Upgrading works for selected private housing estates will include park-related and road-related upgrading works, improvements to connectivity and accessibility to/within the estates, and enhancements to estate identity.

Best Built Environment for Our People

BCA aims to shape the best built environment for Singapore - one which is safe, of high-quality, sustainable and friendly. This will be achieved by:

Ensuring high standards of building safety
Promoting construction quality excellence
Promoting environmental sustainability in buildings and their immediate surroundings
Ensuring barrier free accessibility in the built environment and promoting universal design principles
A total of $62 million will be allocated in FY 2009 to achieve this outcome.

BCA will be undertaking the following major initiatives and programmes to achieve this outcome:

Ensuring High Standards of Building Safety

To enhance safety standards in construction, BCA administers the Building Control Act and Regulations and periodically reviews them to ensure that safety requirements remain relevant and effective. BCA is spearheading an accreditation scheme for suppliers of ready-mix concrete used for structural applications. This will be implemented by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) in 2009. On the use of structural steel, BCA has published a design guideline, BC 1: 2008 on the use of alternate steel materials to British Standard (BS) 5950. This guideline, which will be implemented in Jan 2009, will allow the use of a wider choice of steel from various sources around the world as part of our sustainability drive as well as provide guidance to industry on the design, quality and safety of steelwork.

 

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Promoting Quality Excellence

To achieve construction quality excellence in buildings, BCA is promoting the wider adoption of its quality assessment systems i.e. CONQUAS and Quality Mark, in both public and private sector projects. The aim is to continually improve quality standards by attaining a higher industry average CONQUAS score. To achieve this objective, BCA encourages more developers to benchmark their projects using CONQUAS and participate in the Quality Mark Scheme for residential developments. BCA will build up industry capability through courses conducted at the BCA Academy and developing on–site customized training for site management and supervisory personnel. Developers, consultants and contractors who have delivered high quality projects will be accorded recognition through BCA's construction excellence awards.

Promoting Sustainability of the Built Environment

BCA is promoting the wider adoption of green building technologies and designs through its green building rating system, the Green Mark. The Green Mark promotes energy efficiency, water savings, good indoor environment quality and environmental protection. Under its 1st Green Building Masterplan, $4.5 million has been set aside for FY2009 to implement the various initiatives, such as the Green Mark Incentive Scheme for new buildings and those going through major retrofitting. The industry will also be able to tap on the $10 million set aside under the MND Research Fund to support research and development in green building technologies and energy efficiency. To further intensify its efforts to deliver a sustainable built environment, BCA is formulating the 2nd Green Building Masterplan with special emphasis on achieving higher energy efficiency in the existing building stock in Singapore.


Promoting Barrier-Free Accessibility (BFA)

To facilitate a friendly built environment that caters to families and the persons with disabilities, BCA is implementing the BFA Masterplan to encourage buildings in both public and private sectors to be barrier-free, and to adopt Universal Design (UD) principles. An Accessibility Fund of $8 million has been allocated in FY2009 to co-fund voluntary BFA upgrading costs of existing private buildings, as well as to raise public awareness on accessibility, UD and relevant assistive technologies.


Making Singapore a Distinctive, Attractive & Vibrant City

URA as Singapore's national land use planning authority aims to plan for a more attractive, distinctive and vibrant city and to facilitate the realisation of its plans in partnership with the community. URA’s planning, land use policies and development efforts will be geared towards making Singapore an attractive destination for businesses and investments, as well as a great place to live and play in, by enhancing the quality of life for our people, such as through providing wider leisure and recreation options and addressing their lifestyle needs.

A total budget of $250.6 million has been allocated to URA to undertake the following initiatives and programmes in FY2009:

Implementing Master Plan 2008 Initiatives


URA will commence implementation of some of the key initiatives in the Master Plan 2008 such as carrying out infrastructure works for Jurong Lake District, Paya Lebar Central and Kallang Riverside and preparing sites within these areas for development.

Concept Plan 2011 Review

URA will also be initiating the review of the Concept Plan in 2009. The Concept Plan is a strategic land use and transportation plan that will guide the physical development of Singapore over the next 40 to 50 years.

Marina Bay


The development of Marina Bay area as a seamless expansion of the existing CDB continues to be one of Singapore's key focus areas. As part of the plan to adopt a pro-active approach to realise the vision of making the Marina Bay area a thriving financial and business hub, the Government is putting in place key infrastructure and facilities to open up the area, and enhance the accessibility and attractiveness to the public, visitors and investors.

URA, as the coordinating agency for Marina Bay, is also working closely with other agencies such as LTA on the implementation of other key infrastructure, including the Downtown Line rail network and the Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE).

Construction works for the new double-helix pedestrian and vehicular bridge linking the Bayfront and Marina Centre areas are also well underway. The construction of the waterfront promenade featuring a new Visitor Centre, a "Mist Walk", "Breeze Shelters" and "Dancing Water Jets" will commence in early 2009 and when completed, will realise the planned continuous waterfront pedestrian loop around Marina Bay.

Large-scale construction works are currently in progress at Marina Bay. The ongoing construction of the various current phases of the Common Services Tunnels is scheduled to be completed in stages by 2011. The CST along the waterfront promenade at the Bayfront area will be completed by mid 2009 and ready for the laying of services to serve adjacent developments such as the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort. The sewer works in the Marina South and Central subzones are scheduled to be completed in two phases by 2009 and 2010. The construction of the 230KV electrical substation is scheduled to be completed by 2010. The implementation of these key infrastructures will ensure the timely provision of utilities supply to the developments in the area and cater for future demand and growth.

URA will also continue to work closely with the various stakeholders and agencies in the design development and implementation of the various developments and attractions at Marina Bay. These include the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, the Gardens at Marina South and the International Cruise Terminal.


Enhancing Buzz in Singapore's Nightlife


URA is working in partnership with other agencies to bring added buzz to the nightlife in four key areas, i.e Orchard, Bras Basah.Bugis, Singapore River and Marina Bay. The agencies are implementing both hardware and software initiatives, as well as creating an enabling environment. URA intends to call for a Request-for-Proposal to invite interested parties to submit their proposals for the design, construction, maintenance and operation of the Floating Stage at Singapore River. In addition, we are studying the phasing and implementation of enhanced lighting at Bras Basah.Bugis.

Fostering Sense of Identity and Rootedness


URA will also continue to identify and conserve significant buildings as part of the planning process, and to enhance the character of selected places by implementing environmental improvement works, to contribute towards giving Singaporeans a sense of history and belonging.

 

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Singapore as a City in a Garden

The National Parks Board (NParks) aims to transform Singapore into a “City in a Garden” and create the best living environment through excellent greenery and recreation in partnership with the community. NParks seeks to deliver its mission through three strategic thrusts – A Park for Everyone, A Vibrant Green Collar Industry and A Green Community.

A total budget of $695 million has been allocated to NParks in FY2009 to achieve this.

NParks will be undertaking the following major initiatives and programmes to achieve this outcome:

Gardens By The Bay

The Gardens by the Bay, which consists of 3 landmark waterfront gardens in Marina Bay, will contribute significantly in making the heart of Singapore’s new downtown district a fascinating destination to live, work and play in. When completed, the Gardens will be a green oasis in the heart of the city that all Singaporeans can enjoy with their families and loved ones. The Gardens is also expected to attract 2.7 million tourists annually.


Park Connectors

The Park Connector Network is an island-wide network of green corridors that link up major parks, nature sites and housing estates in Singapore. Besides bringing about green connectivity and ensuring a continuous green mantle, park connectors are popular venues for lifestyle and community activities.


Streetscape Greenery Master Plan (SGMP)

NParks is implementing the Streetscape Greenery Masterplan, a blueprint to accentuate, enhance and revitalize the Garden City, through intensification of streetscapes to create unique identities for clusters of roads at strategic locations.

Skyrise Greenery

Skyrise greenery helps to optimise landuse and yield environmental benefits such as reducing the urban heat island effect. NParks takes an active role in skyrise greenery implementation in Singapore, and leads the promotion of skyrise greenery at a national level.

Landscape Industry Development

There are on-going programmes to build capabilities and capacities of the landscape industry. These include building a strong core of skilled local workforce through training and certification, enhancing the professional image and career opportunities, and developing and implementing industry standards. NParks also aims to promote Singapore’s botanical and horticultural expertise internationally.

Promoting Community Ownership

NParks works closely with the public, private and people sectors to inculcate community passion for and ownership in transforming Singapore into a global City in a Garden. Programmes include Community in Bloom, Plant-A-Tree, Garden City Fund, outreach activities and partnerships with volunteers and industry partners.


In total, $162 million will be spent on the landscape industry development and promoting community ownership. These include the Community in Bloom program. In addition, $95 million will be spent on strengthening Singapore’s greenery infrastructure, including the development of new parks and park connectors, redevelopment of parks, implementation of the Streetscape Greenery Masterplan and the promotion of skyrise greenery. A budget of $438 million has also been allocated for the development of the Gardens by the Bay project in FY2009.

Ensure a Resilient Supply of Safe Food

$48.5 million will be spent to ensure the safety of all food from production to just before retail and to provide Singapore with a stable supply of safe food.

AVA will be undertaking the following major initiatives and programmes to achieve this outcome:

Adopt a risk management approach based on international food safety standards to ensure a safe food supply.
Diversify food sources through establishing more potential overseas sources, transfer of technology to develop aquaculture and vegetable production in the region, and promoting product substitutes.
Optimise local production by encouraging farms to adopt good agricultural practices, improved technology and modern farming methods.
Strengthen AVA’s integrated food safety programme including upgrading of surveillance and food testing capabilities.



Ensuring a safe food supply: Food consignments are subjected to a systematic programme of inspection and laboratory monitoring to ensure they are safe for consumption
Increase public awareness of food safety as a shared responsibility of the food industry and consumers, and of the availability of product substitutes.
Safeguard Animal and Plant Health, as well as Public Health from Zoonotic Diseases

$18 million will be set aside to keep Singapore free from exotic animal and plant health diseases by controlling and preventing the introduction of animal and plant diseases of agricultural, economic and public health importance. This includes combating global threats of zoonotic diseases such as the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza or Bird Flu.

AVA will be undertaking the following major initiatives and programmes to achieve this outcome:

Enhancing import control, border checks, upgrading disease surveillance and diagnostic capabilities, and maintaining emergency preparedness to deal with disease outbreaks.



AVA carries out intensive and well-coordinated animal and plant disease surveillance programmes to prevent entry of animal and plant diseases of public health or economic significance to Singapore in order to maintain the country's specific disease-free status
Implementing a multi-layered defence strategy against bird flu. This includes maintaining vigilance and preparedness against disease introduction, upgrading diagnostic capabilities for prompt disease detection, as well as establishing strategic partnership with neighbouring countries to collaborate with them in controlling the disease.