News

Amendments To Be Made To The Building Control Act 
Posted on Monday, August 27, 2007 - 08:00 PM

The Minister for National Development will introduce the Building Control (Amendment) Bill in Parliament today.

2. The main objective of the Bill is to to enhance the level of professionalism in the construction industry and safety in the execution of construction works. In May 2005, as part of the Government’s response to the Committee of Inquiry’s (COI) report on the Nicoll Highway collapse, the Joint MND-MOM Review Committee (JRC) on Construction Safety had recommended measures to enhance safety, quality and professionalism in the construction industry. The Bill has taken in all these measures and has also taken into consideration useful feedback from relevant stakeholders in the industry following numerous consultations with them.

3. In addition, the Bill also contains amendments to refine some provisions in the Building Control Act and to support Singapore’s efforts in environmental sustainability.

KEY AMENDMENTS

4. The Bill will make the following key amendments to the Building Control Act:

- Regulation of temporary earth retaining structures (TERS) and major geotechnical works.

- Licensing of builders who carry out all building works requiring approval of plans as well as specialised structural works.

- Provision of site supervision teams to ensure adequate supervision of structural works during construction.

- Ensuring the independence of project parties who check design, supervise structural works or carry out monitoring works.

- General revision to penalties for offences under the BC Act.

- Making it a statutory duty for developers to report contraventions to the BC Act.

- Provision to accredit qualified site supervisors.

- Provision for Minister to make regulations governing minimum standards of environmental sustainability in the construction industry.

- Ensuring continued compliance with barrier-free features after completion.

5. The Minister for National Development will elaborate on the amendments in the Second Reading of the Bill, in another sitting of Parliament.

Issued by : Ministry of National Development
Date : 27 August 2007