Fortitude Budget: Construction sector to get more support for additional costs needed to resume

Sharon See

Published Tue, May 26, 2020 · 08:38 AM

SINGAPORE'S built environment sector, which includes the construction industry, will get further government support for the additional costs that they would incur before they can resume their existing projects safely, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Tuesday.

"There are many significant infrastructure projects, including public infrastructure such as MRT lines and public housing, that we must continue to plan and build," Mr Heng told Parliament as he delivered the government's fourth economic rescue package - the Fortitude Budget - as Singapore battles the Covid-19 pandemic.

The government will co-share the additional costs that businesses will incur in order to meet additional requirements to resume their existing projects safely, he said.

More details will be announced by the Ministry for National Development and the Building and Construction Authority.

He also noted that support for locals working in this sector - including project managers, engineers, architects, draughtsman and quantity surveyors - will be covered by the higher tier of the Jobs Support Scheme.

In addition, he said, the government has also extended the foreign worker levy rebates and waivers to support businesses in this sector.