MASS RAPID TRANSIT PROJECT (Progress report)

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi asked the Acting Minister for Communications if he will report on the progress of implementation of the Mass Rapid Transit project and state the problems, if any, that are encountered in respect of participation of local contractors, selection of the locomotive system most suited for Singapore, availability of local expertise, soil conditions of sites earmarked for the routes and stations, resettlement and land acquisition, and any other engineering, organisational and financial problems.

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: The MRT project has been progressing very satisfactorily. The MRT Corporation was officially inaugurated on 22 October 1983 to take over the functions of constructing and operating the MRT from the Provisional MRT Authority.

All 7 tunnelling contracts for the Phase I system have been awarded at highly competitive prices. The remaining civil contracts for the 5 civil defence stations, the Bishan Depot and the elevated section will be awarded sometime next year.

Our local contractors have been active in the MRT project. Four of the 7 civil contracts awarded were given to joint ventures between local contractors and their foreign partners.

All the E & M contracts are scheduled to be awarded during the first half of next year. Tenders for the rolling stock contract to supply our MRT trains are scheduled to be closed on January 9 and awarded by mid-April next year.

One main problem faced by the MRT Corporation is the lack of local expertise in tunnelling work and railway engineering. The Corporation is therefore recruiting the necessary experienced engineers and workers from Hong Kong and other countries. To increase the pool of local expertise, the Corporation requires all contractors to make a firm commitment in training of local personnel and transfer of technology. All contractors will be required to submit monthly statements listing their local staff and full details of the training received by them.

Soil investigations have revealed that difficult soil conditions will be encountered. The MRTC has therefore chosen contractors with direct relevant tunnelling experience.

Resettlement and land acquisition have been progressing smoothly. No serious problems are expected. There are also no serious engineering, organisational or financial problems.

However, it is anticipated that construction will create disturbances and disruptions to the public as traffic will have to be diverted and the noise level may increase. To alleviate such problems, contractors are required to plan their work carefully.

There will be close liaison with interested organisations and open communications with members of the public. REVISION OF HOSPITAL, OUTPATIENT AND DENTAL CHARGES, MAXIMUM FEES PAYABLE BY CLASS B2 AND C PATIENTS PER ADMISSION OR SPECIALIST OUTPATIENT ATTENDANCE (Cols. 295 - 304)