The Common Services Tunnels Bill 2018 Round-up Speech by Minister Lawrence Wong

Mar 19, 2018

Mr Deputy Speaker Sir, I thank Mr Alex Yam for rising in support of the Bill and for his comments on the Bill. 

As Mr Alex Yam noted, most of the provisions of the Bill serve to formalise practices which are already in place today. We have taken some time to learn from the experience in Marina Bay – the operational experience and regulatory experience, before we decided to put together and codify all of these into the Bill we have today. Mr Yam asked if the Government has faced challenges constructing, maintaining, and operating the Marina Bay Common Services Tunnel (CST). Indeed, it was a long-term project and it took time for us to plan ahead, and to make the investment for the project. So far as maintenance and operations are concerned, we have enjoyed the cooperation of utility suppliers, developers, and building owners. But if we have to work with new parties, or if we are going to build a new CST elsewhere, we would want the legal and regulatory framework to be very clear, so that we can continue to provide utility services of the highest standards, without any hiccups. Hence, we are putting these provisions into the Bill.

When formulating the Bill, we had consulted the building owners at Marina Bay. They provided useful feedback, for instance on the way the CST could be better designed and constructed. Where possible, we will take this feedback into account for future developments.

Mr Yam also asked whether the Government sees CSTs as a model to serve new development areas in the future, be it for commercial or residential areas. 

Indeed, there is potential for CSTs in new developments. As significant capital investment is required for the CST, it would make more economic sense to do this in an area of sufficient size with major new developments that need to be serviced by multiple utilities.  We can then bring together all the utility lines underground, and better optimise the use of space.  

Preliminarily, we see potential for CSTs in new developments like Jurong Lake Districts and Changi Airport Terminal 5. But more detailed studies will be needed to determine the cost-benefits of the projects.   

Mr Deputy Speaker Sir, I believe I have addressed the points raised by the Member, and thank him for his support for the Bill. This Bill clarifies and enhances the Government’s regulatory practices to ensure the safe and efficient operation of common services tunnels in Singapore. 

Mr Deputy Speaker Sir, I beg to move.