Non-compliance with Building Construction Restrictions by Companies Involved in Build-To-Order HDB Projects

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether there have been violations or non-compliance with building construction restrictions by construction companies involved in Build-to-Order (BTO) HDB housing projects; (b) how many complaints related to noise disturbance from BTO construction projects have been lodged by residents in the last three years; and (c) whether the Ministry will explore new options to further minimise noise pollution arising from BTO housing construction projects.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: All construction sites in Singapore have to comply with NEA's noise regulations. From 2010 to 2012, there were 93 violations of NEA noise control regulations by contractors of HDB projects. NEA fines contractors who commit such violations.

From 2010 to 2012, HDB received 170 cases of feedback from residents concerning construction noise. HDB has promptly attended to residents' feedback and taken further measures where possible to mitigate the construction noise.

Currently, HDB requires its contractors to implement a comprehensive Noise Management Plan to minimise noise nuisance to surrounding residents. HDB is also working closely with NEA and BCA to explore quieter methods of construction. These include using a new method to trim pile heads to reduce the amount of hacking required, and using Self-Compacting Concrete to eliminate the noisy process of compacting concrete, where feasible.