News and Articles
Articles of Interest in respect of happenings in the Construction industry
We are happy to share some construction industry news and articles that may be of interest.
For further information on any topics included, please contact us.
CIOB Webinar 06 Dec 2023
On 6 Dec 2023 Mr Shuttleworth presented the second in a series of webinars on construction defects in conjunction with a local lawyer Mr Brendon Choa for the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Singapore Branch.
This dealt with a number of case studies and discussed how disasters can occur without any warning in construction projects. Mt Choa discussed the legal position with respect to the Defects Liability Period and Latent Defects in construction contracts and how these important issues should be addressed by both Contractors and Employers and their consultants.
A further event on this subject is under consideration.
Cross Island Line (CRL)
The new Cross Island Line (CRL) is now well under construction and at approximately 50 km long is the eighth MRT line and is intended to serve existing and future developments to the east, north and west regions of Singapore.
Nearly half of the stations will interlink with existing MRT stations thus creating greater flexibility for travelers across Singapore.
There will be three phases:-
Phase 1: 29 km long from Aviation Park to Bright Hill with 12 stations. Target completion 2030.
Phase 2: 15 km long from Turf City to Jurong Lake District with 6 stations all underground.
Punggol Extension: 7.3 km long from Pasir Ris to Punggol with 4 stations all underground.
All work is targeted to be complete by 2032
Collaborative Contracting
On 29 April 2024 the Building and Control Authority of Singapore (BCA) issued a circular confirming the launch of the NEC4 Y (SG) Clauses to accompany the use of the NEC4 Contract for construction and engineering projects in Singapore.
In effect this relates to the adoption of collaborative contracting in Singapore construction which is increasingly being adopted overseas in the UK and Hong Kong and proving to be a very cost-efficient method in the construction process.
It is claimed that the following benefits to both contractor and employer are offered:-
1.Better Time and Cost control
2.Better risk management
3.More efficient Project Management
For more information refer to the BCA website at www.bca.gov.sg
Severe Haze Conditions
On 15 November 2023 BCA issued a circular giving guidance on extension of time due to sever haze conditions.
This related to the PSSCOC form of contract 8th Edition at clause 14.2(B). It is acknowledged that severe haze conditions may impact both safety and productivity on construction sites especially in cases where there is substantial work outside and this may lead to entitlement to EOT where the 24 hour PSI level exceeds 200.
The recommendation is as follows:-
If PSI exceeds 200 for at least 3 hours but less than 5, Recommended EOT: 0.5 days
At least 5 hours, Recommended EOT: 1.0 day
The SO will have the discretion to adjust the EOT according to actual site conditions