Gov’t could restart S$4.7b worth of public sector projects: Mah

Source : Business Times - 26 Nov 2008

The Government will not hesitate to reactivate some of S$4.7 billion worth of deferred public sector projects, at an appropriate time, if necessary to boost the industry, Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan said on Wednesday.

Mr Mah was speaking at the Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore’s (Redas) anniversary dinner.

The Government had earlier deferred some S$4.7 billion worth of public sector projects over the past year or so. These include the construction and upgrading of schools, civic and community institutions, and other public infrastructure.

These projects could be restarted when construction costs come down and manpower and materials shortages are less serious, Mr Mah said.

‘Not only will these projects help to sustain capital spending and provide some cushion in this downturn, they will also help to enhance Singapore’s attractiveness to talent and investments in the long term,’ he said.

The Government will also continue with several key infrastructure and housing projects to support Singapore’s medium to long term economic growth and social needs, as well as rejuvenate older estates, Mr Mah added.