REPLACEMENT OF ELECTRICAL GENERATORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES WITH PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD'S ELECTRICAL SUPPLY

Mr Chuang Shaw Peng asked the Minister for the Environment (a) what is the rationale for implementing the measure to replace electrical generators at construction sites with Public Utilities Board's electrical supply; (b) why it was implemented without notice given to the construction industry; and (c) whether he will consider postponing the implementation of the said measure for the industry to adjust without having to bear extraordinary costs.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: My Ministry has received numerous complaints from residents living close to construction and renovation sites on the use of generator sets at these sites. Generator sets cause noise pollution and those operated by diesel can also cause air pollution.

My Ministry, therefore, decided that generators should not be used at locations where power supply can be obtained directly from the grid if they cause noise and air pollution to neighbouring residents.

The use of generator sets in construction sites was first discussed with the Singapore Contractors Association (SCAL) in July 1998. In another dialogue session with SCAL in September this year, SCAL was generally supportive of the policy and pointed out that connection to the grid would in fact be more economic and reliable. My Ministry had agreed to organise a meeting with Power Supply together with SCAL and REDAS to see how early connections can be made possible.