COS 2015 Debate: MOT – Changi Airport Terminal 5 (MP Low Thia Khiang)

By MP for Aljunied GRC, Low Thia Khiang
[Delivered in Committee of Supply on 11 March 2015]

Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5) is a huge investment in aviation infrastructure. The initial injection of $3 billion for the Changi Airport Development Fund represents just a small fraction of the total cost upon completion.  Already, a $1.1 billion contract has been awarded to clear the land and strengthen the soil before T5 and the third runway can be built. We need to ensure that the cost is managed well and does not become an unnecessary burden on our finances.

How did the Government come up with the figure of $3 billion as the initial injection? Does the Government have an estimated cost at completion of T5?

The Ministry of Finance has a Gateway Process where projects above $500 million are subject to staged approvals for concept, design and implementation. Will the Gateway Process be adopted for the development of T5?

I noted a media release by the Ministry of Transport on the formation of Changi 2036 Steering Committee, it also outlined the conceptual layout of T5. The concept plan was expected to be finalized by 2014. I would like to know whether the ministry has further update on the plan for T5?

It was also stated that T5 will have capacity of handling 50 million passenger movements per annum and in total, Changi Airport will have the capacity to handle 135 million passengers per year.

I understand the Government aims to keep up with the competition in the region in terms of airport capacity; and to preserve Singapore’s status as an international transport hub, did the Government conduct comprehensive study to ensure that T5 will be commercially viable in the long-term?  What happens if the expected growth rates in air passenger traffic in the next decade is not realised?