COS 2013 Debates: MND – Greenprint Initiative (MP Low Thia Khiang)

by MP for Aljunied GRC, Low Thia Khiang
[Delivered in Committee of Supply on 8 March 2013]

I understand that the HDB has launched the Greenprint initiative last year and works under the scope will be carried out in 2013 and 2014 under the pilot project at Jurong East.

I would like to request the MND to consider rolling out the following initiatives as soon as possible to all eligible HDB Towns in view of the national push towards productivity and escalating costs of town maintenance.

I think many precincts could benefit from the following Greenprint initiative:

  1. Pneumatic refuse collection system
    The old design of individual bin chute system in older HDB estate with daily manual collection is a low productivity design and is not cost effective. Residents also often have to live with foul smell during the collection. A modified centralized refuse collection system would increase productivity in town maintenance and reduce the cost of manpower in conservancy work.
  2. Energy and water saving solutions for common area.
    Water and electricity cost is one the big expenditure items in Town Council management. Initiative on water saving device and exploring new source of energy for common area not only can achieve the green effect, but also save cost.

I would like to ask MND for its future plans for the Greenprint initiative.

Will there be more pilot projects to be conducted and if so, what are the criteria for the selection of precincts for such pilot projects?

What is the timeframe to roll out the initiative?