">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
HDB brings forward some projects to help smaller contractors
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Government
Education
Search
Search:
HDB brings forward some projects to help smaller contractors
Channel NewsAsia - Saturday, December 13
SINGAPORE: Two public housing upgrading programmes are among some of the S$4.7 billion worth of previously deferred construction projects that will be brought forward by the government.
The Ministry of National Development said now is a good time to do so with material costs looking to fall further. This is seen as part of the government’s plan to step up spending to help beat the recession.
Residents in older public housing can also expect refurbishments sooner.
To mark two urban design events in Punggol, National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is bringing forward plans for its Home Improvement Programme.
This is one of several ways the government is stimulating the economy.
Under the plan, residents will get items like new doors, gates and toilet—fittings installed for free.
Another HDB project to be brought forward is the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme. This will spruce up the environment around older housing estates like upgrading lift landings and letter boxes.
Mr Mah said: “The primary consideration is to bring back those projects where we’re able to help some of the smaller contractors. In other words, some of the smaller projects. In addition to that, we’re also looking to see whether the different ministries are able to bring some of their projects, to take advantage of the potentially lower costs of construction, going forward."
The move has been welcomed by the Singapore Contractors’ Association.
As to which government projects will be brought forward, Mr Mah said the details are expected by January when the government announces the 2009 Budget.
Mr Mah added: "Not all of these projects can be brought forward totally because some of the projects are very lumpy projects and some their costs may not have come down sufficiently. But where the costs have come and where the projects are of a reasonable size, the important thing is to give priority to the smaller projects.
Vishnu Varathan, an economist at Forecast said the latest move will prevent smaller contractors from closing down, give jobs to construction workers and ensure consumption.
Even though it can counter the slowdown in the property market, he said the plan will just minimise the recession in Singapore and not stop it completely.
However, Mr Varanthan cautioned against the assumption that construction costs will fall further. He said while it’s not likely to increase to rates during the construction boom, regional demand for big projects from countries like China and India may cause prices to rebound again.
Recession aside, Punggol residents can look forward to having a waterfront town of the 21st century.
This winning design was picked from 11 entries in a waterway landscape competition.
Mr Mah said Punggol’s development is on track despite the poor economy with 17,000 flats completed and 3,000 new ones expected annually till 2011.
The National Development Minister said the target is to have 23,000 flats by 2011, a critical mass for a Town Centre to be built and commercial developers to set up shopping malls.
He added that flats there will be affordable for all income groups with smaller and rental flats for the lower—income.
Of the 5,000 Build—to—Order flats launched, about 550 are two—room and three—room units and about 500 rental units are already under construction. —CNA/vm
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: Singapore
RPT-GLOBAL MARKETS-Stocks climb, dollar under pressure after FedReuters - 1 hour 57 minutes ago
Binge drinking an "emerging issue in S’pore", says HPBChannel NewsAsia - Wednesday, December 17
One of world’s fastest off—track car, Ariel Atom, to be sold in SingaporeChannel NewsAsia - Wednesday, December 17
MDA offers grants to develop games for Xbox LIVEChannel NewsAsia - Wednesday, December 17
ICA foils contraband cigarette smuggling, 3 arrestedChannel NewsAsia - Wednesday, December 17
Enlarge Photo
HDB brings forward some projects to help smaller contractors
Most Popular – Singapore
Viewed
Bush laughs off Iraq flying shoes drama
Arabs hail shoe attack as Bush's farewell gift
Pressure mounts on US regulators over Madoff pyramid scam
Oil falls after brief surge above 50 dollars
Actress Jennifer Aniston appears naked in GQ magazine
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Other News on Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Toyota to negotiate lower steel prices: report
Sri Lanka says 145 killed in northern fighting
Holiday season in crisis as Thai tourism plummets
ICA foils contraband cigarette smuggling, 3 arrested
Angola president arrives in China in search of investment
Morning isn't enough for NBC's `Today' show
Poetry organization receives $2 million grant
MDA offers grants to develop games for Xbox LIVE
Indonesia scraps plans to tag HIV patients
US worried about need for warrants in Iraq
Abbas says he'll call Palestinian vote `very soon'
Australia OKs Facebook for serving lien notice
Minorities protest restrictions on suspect charity
Kerry says Pakistan 'sincere' in Mumbai crackdown
Document: Actor Peter Falk has Alzheimer's
Clooney, Hanks urge against Hollywood actors strike
AP NewsAlert
China defends censoring websites that break rules
Fox orders musical scripted series
Santa village in Finnish Arctic awaits crisis crunch -- next year
Aretha Franklin among headliners at 2009 Jazz Fest
Argentine courts seize Iran diplomat's property
US: Afghan supply line fine, but drivers cite risk
One of world’s fastest off—track car, Ariel Atom, to be sold in Singapore
Berlin Film Festival to honour Doctor Zhivago composer
`Twilight' sequel speeds ahead for November 2009
Future looks rose for US wine in Britain
Israeli-Palestinian peace process is irreversible
Bangladesh lifts state of emergency after 23 months
For some Chinese, growth may not equal happiness
Semiconductor revenue to fall again next year: Gartner
Aretha Franklin to take stage at 2009 Jazz Fest
HBO, Winfrey's production company reaches deal
Airline offers 100,000 free tickets to Thailand
Ding's maximum joy fades as O'Sullivan exits
Disney-branded channel coming to Russia
BBC complains of Chinese censorship
In US first, Detroit papers to cut back on home delivery
Microsoft releasing emergency patch for perilous IE flaw
Aretha Franklin talks about new Xmas CD
Pellicano: No apologies to those he spied on
Ebert gets life membership from Directors Guild
At least 26 die as Israeli bus tumbles into ravine
Iraqi doctor found guilty of failed London, Glasgow attacks
PartyGaming founder pleads guilty, to forfeit 300 mln dlrs
Some 30 Russian tourists die in Israel bus crash
| International
|
European new car sales 'plunge 25.8%'
'Dark energy' expands, contracts universe: researchers
Greek PM vows to fight corruption after 11-day protest
| International
|
Dynamite found in Paris department store
OPEC readies cut of two million barrels a day: ministers
U.N. council allows Somali anti-piracy fight on land
| International
|
Fed cuts rate to virtually zero, will expand stimulus moves
Bush says seeking prompt action on auto industry
Emerging SE Asia haunted by culture of corruption
| International
|
White House says 'concessions' needed for auto bailout
Iraqi who threw shoes at Bush admits it in court
| International
|
Pressure mounts on US regulators over Madoff pyramid scam
Germany seeking US global warming cooperation
Iranians hit by Dubai property slide
| International
|
Goldman reports $2.12 bln loss
Mexico: So far, no exodus from US to Mexico
Rwanda denies U.N. panel charge it aids Congo rebels
| International
|
Launch of ruling ANC dissident party shakes up SAfrican politics
US gives Nicaragua 90 days to clear election concerns
Korea Hot Stocks-Ssangyong Motor down on production halt
Pakistan sees need for crackdown after Mumbai
| International
|
US: Nicaragua could lose aid over election dispute
Germany seeking US global warming cooperation
Tokyo shares open higher after US rate cut
Russian warships causing no ripples in Pentagon
S.Korea T-bond futures soar after heavy U.S. rate cut
Jobs won't deliver Macworld keynote
| Technology
|
South Korean won jumps over 3 pct vs dollar
Mobile phone market to shrink in 2009
| Technology
|
Seoul shares rise after U.S. rate cut; banks,techs
Top UN official goes missing in Niger
South Korea says no risk of local mortgage crisis
Wireless companies warn of U.S. inauguration delays
| Technology
|
Sony, Fox Sports offer 3-D college football event
| Technology
|
China regrets WTO decision on auto parts
OPEC readies cut of two million barrels a day: ministers
U.S. cable companies giving free equipment for digital move
| Technology
|
Indonesia passes new mining law
Expectations of 2 million barrel OPEC oil cut grow
Michael W. Smith, others lend voices to charity
Oil prices sink on Saudi talk of production cut
State aid seen prolonging chip industry's woes
| Technology
|
OPEC cuts demand projection for 2009
Dennis Quaid settles with hospital on twins overdose
| Entertainment
|
American Idol is most time-shifted show: Nielsen
| Entertainment
|
Pellicano: No apologies to those he spied on
Hit film Twilight sequel will be harder, say stars
| Entertainment
|
Berlin Film Festival to honour Doctor Zhivago composer
Disney to launch free TV channel in Russia
| Entertainment
|
Oscar-winning Crash finds new life on TV
| Entertainment
|
Peter Falk suffers from Alzheimer's, daughter says
| Entertainment
|
Football tops ratings for NBC; CBS dominant
Mannish Boys lead nominees for blues awards
Will.i.am to perform on Dick Clark New Year's Eve
1 dead, 19 rescued as vessel sinks in Philippines
Marilyn Monroe pics sold for nearly $150,000
Bollywood's boys bulk up, add brawn to brooding
Minorities protest restrictions on suspect charity
Merger plan proposed for stricken LA museum
Australia strengthens sanctions against Zimbabwe
China defends right to censor Web sites
Lynne Cheney plans James Madison biography
Binge drinking an "emerging issue in S’pore", says HPB
UN empowers land operations against Somali pirates
Philippine rescue ship in distress, contact lost
Crackdown hampers earthquake relief in Pakistan
HDB brings forward some projects to help smaller contractors
Steve Jobs leaving MacWorld stage as Apple bows out
NKorea's Kim makes latest public appearances
Bangladesh lifts state of emergency ahead of vote
NKorea tightens its economic grip, restricts market trading
Toilet troubles in Japan as maker issues warning
CORRECTED
NKorea officials inspect Kaesong estate after border curbs
Arabs want meetings on Iran's nuclear program
New Thai PM promises 'competent' cabinet
China to send pandas to Taiwan on Dec. 23
SKorean actress who challenged adultery law gets suspended term
Fake Qantas engineer jailed
US to deploy stealth fighters to Japan
Senior NKorean official inspects industrial park
Indian parliament debates tougher anti-terror laws
Israel's Peres voices grief over bus crash to Medvedev: Kremlin
Time is on my side? Rolling Stones' Richards turns 65
Fed cuts rates, Asian markets' limited gains
Iraqi doctor faces life for failed London, Glasgow attacks
Taking a swipe at Bush: Zaidi-inspired shoe game on Internet
UN empowers land operations against Somali pirates
Nuclear engineer jailed over Iran software plot
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,209
China says lending to US will not go on forever
US: 3 militants killed in raid in Afghanistan
Mexico says more US drug aid expected by January
S.Korea c.bank contributes $1.6 bln to bond fund
Excess semi inventories to surge end Q4 -iSuppli
South Korean Nov exports to China set record drop
Rebels claim to kill 130 Sri Lankan troops
Honda slashes profit forecast amid global downturn
Kidnapped Bangladeshi doctor says she was forced to marry
Nissan says cutting another 500 jobs
Aborigines win court fight against Swiss miner
Asian markets mildly higher after US rate cut
Singapore Nov exports slip, recession seen continuing
Pakistan stocks down despite fund talk; rupee firms
Oil prices rise to above $44 before OPEC meeting
Sydney court imprisons bogus aircraft engineer
Seoul shares gain after volatile trade; autos fall
OPEC to slash oil output, Russia may contribute
Taiwan's short-term rates higher than in U.S. -c.bank
Oil rises to above $44 before OPEC meeting
HK central bank cuts key rate after Fed's action
Hollywood reels under strike, nervously braces for sequel
Pianist Alfred Brendel takes final bow from concert stage
Hollywood reels under strike, nervously braces for sequel
Australian pet ambulance finds a growing niche
HIV/AIDS "hidden but growing" problem in the Philippines
New Thai PM to tackle economy
Sri Lanka troops, Tigers trade fire after heavy fighting
Rebels claim to kill 130 Sri Lankan troops
Seoul hospital refuses to end coma patient's life
NKorea releases more Kim photos to dispel health rumours
Migrant workers face the squeeze amid financial crisis: ILO chief
Thailand's new PM vows competent cabinet
NKorea nuclear talks fruitful despite collapse: US envoy
Rock, pop and electro: a Top 10 for 2008
Malaysia PM: Final mission to cool racial tensions
Ben Affleck, Mick Jagger join forces to help Congo refugees
Chie Tanaka dreams to be a singer
Report: SKorean actress found guilty of adultery
Seoul hospital refuses 'Right to Die' request
Azamara Quest begins debut cruise season in Asia
Voters head to polls in Kashmir for state election
Death toll from capsized Philippine ferry hits 30: coastguard
Malaysia denies any plan to close Catholic paper
Miss Asia Pageant results refuted
Wax statue created for Lin Chi-ling
Assyakirin Mosque in Taman Jurong reaches out to workers
Joey Yung will feel guilty to clinch APAC popular female singer award
Investors of failed structured products to know outcome of complaints by mid—Jan
Members of Israel's ruling party vote in primary
Greece demonstrators call for Europe-wide protest
| International
|
Rocket fire raises concern over Gaza truce
EU parliament approves climate change package
Britain's Brown in Iraq ahead of troop withdrawal
| International
|
Brother: Iraqi shoe-tosser seen by judge in jail
Iraqi doctor jailed for life for failed British bombings
Pirates seize four ships in Gulf of Aden
| International
|
Britain to pull troops from Iraq by May 31
Germany to take on at least 30 bln euros in debt: report
Iraqi jailed for car bomb plots in London and Glasgow
| International
|
North Korea presents more evidence of recovered Kim
| International
|
Brown visits Iraq, says mission to end mid-2009
Southern Africa launches urgent aid for Zimbabwe
| International
|
Britain to end Iraq mission first half 2009: statement
Islamists not main suspects in Paris probe: minister
| International
|
Unemployed masses worry stability-obsessed China
| International
|
Cambodia kills 320 fowl after bird flu outbreak
EU parliament approves climate change package
Arrested mob boss hangs himself in Italian jail
| International
|
Bush shoe-thrower brought before Iraqi judge
Residents vote in 6th round of Indian Kashmir poll
EU Parliament ratifies climate change plans
Two 'terrorists' sentenced to death for China attacks
30 years transform China, but not its politics
Lawyers turn to Facebook to serve legal papers
| Technology
|
Yahoo lowers data retention to three months
| Technology
|
Chinese sailors fend off Somali pirates, UN okays land ops
New PM vows to fix "failed" Thai politics
Iraq shoe-thrower inspires Bush-bashing Web games
| Technology
|
S$50m in Medifund given out to needy patients in 2007
New Thai PM to tackle economy
Philippine court convicts 4 Muslim militants
Asian stocks rise cautiously on US rate cut
Sprint unveils dual-mode modem for WiMax
| Technology
|
HK index up 2.2 percent on Fed's rate cut
China sentences 2 to death for attack in Xinjiang
Baucus urges Hanoi to lift restrictions on US beef
OPEC likely to OK 2 million barrel oil output cut
Singapore to sign MOU with World Bank group
Pakistan's 6-mth T-bill cut-off yield flat
WRAPUP 1-Azerbaijan, not Russia, offers OPEC oil cut
Madonna, Ritchie say divorce sums wrongly issued
| Entertainment
|
Honda slashes profit forecast amid global downturn
Oil rises above $45 before OPEC meeting
Oprah Winfrey makes TV movie deal with HBO
| Entertainment
|
South Korea's wobbly won shows signs of stability
OPEC agrees to record cut in oil output: Saudi minister
Directors Guild to honor Roger Ebert
| Entertainment
|
OPEC prepares record cut in oil output
CBS shows dominate weeklong ratings
| Entertainment
|
OPEC is on the edge of making record cut in oil output
Azerbaijan offers OPEC oil output cut of 300,000bpd
Dexter finale a boost for Showtime
| Entertainment
|
NBC giving Today a special primetime slot
| Entertainment
|
Ben Affleck, Mick Jagger join forces to help Congo refugees
Wanted by MTV: Adventure capitalists
| Entertainment
|
MSNBC promotes pimped out anchor
| Entertainment
|
Adapted screenplays confront dreaded voice-over
| Entertainment
|
Carrie Underwood to sing at People's Choice Awards
Pakistan: Children protest UN action on charity
S'pore's Great Eastern reports $44mln exposure to Madoff
Xinhua Finance to close financial news service
COE prices down across all categories, biggest drop in big car category
Doctor censured, fined for professional misconduct, gross negligence