Public sector projects to boost construction demand in 2017

Singapore

AMID dwindling private sector building projects, the government said on Friday that it will bolster construction demand in 2017 with more public sector projects. Some S$28 billion to S$35 billion worth of construction contracts will be awarded this year, higher than 2016's preliminary estimate of S$26.1 billion.

Of this, 70 per cent will be made up by public sector projects, or up to S$20-24 billion. Major public sector projects include the Circle Line 6 and the second phase of PUB's Deep Tunnel Sewerage System. There are also public housing projects and healthcare facilities such as the new National Cancer Centre at Outram. Private sector demand, likely to fall within a range of S$8-11 billion this year, would include redevelopment projects such as Funan DigitaLife Mall at North Bridge Road, Golden Shoe Carpark at Market Street and the CPF Building at Robinson Road.