Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Projects Undertaken by PIE Viaduct Collapse Contractor

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     how many projects are currently undertaken by Or Kim Peow Contractors;

b.     what measures are in place to ensure that these projects meet the workplace safety standards;

c.     whether there is a need to strengthen the supervision of these projects and to review them for safety considerations;

d.     whether there will be follow-up actions with the consultancy firms implicated in the collapse of the PIE viaduct in Upper Changi in July 2017; and

e.     how does the Ministry ensure that the consultancy firms and consultants perform their roles responsibly.

Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:

1.     The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has reached an agreement with Or Kim Peow Contractors (Pte) Ltd (OKP) to mutually terminate the contract to construct the TPE-PIE Changi Viaduct. LTA has also appointed an independent Professional Engineer to assess the structural adequacy of the viaduct, and will be demolishing any structures that are deemed unsafe, including all the crossheads. 

2.     OKP has two other contracts with LTA to design and construct covered linkways near MRT stations, LRT stations and bus interchanges under the Walk2Ride Programme. Following the accident last July, LTA has stepped up regular checks and inspections on the worksites to ensure that works are done safely. LTA has not found any non-compliance with our safety standards at these worksites. 

3.     LTA will continue to work closely with its contractors to ensure that they comply with workplace safety and health requirements. This includes appointing site supervisors to oversee the daily operations at worksites, and monthly and ad-hoc inspections. LTA also organises regular dialogues and workplace safety trainings with the contractors’ management and staff. 

4.     The consultancy firms implicated in the incident will be replaced. The consultants are also facing charges under the Building Control Act and the Workplace Safety and Health Act. LTA carefully assesses consultancy firms’ past performance in all government contracts when evaluating tender bids.