Govt will watch war’s effect on construction sector
The Straits Times|April 19, 2022
Minister Lee says it will also study how to better support contractors as costs rise
Kok Yufeng
Govt will watch war’s effect on construction sector

The lifting of Covid-19 border restrictions and safe management measures may have thrown a lifeline to the beleaguered construction sector, but it is still not out of the woods as cost pressures have continued to rise on the back of the war in Ukraine and lockdowns in China.

High energy prices have also pushed the prices of raw materials such as steel rebars, aluminium and copper up by 20 per cent in recent months, Singapore Contractors Association (Scal) president Ng Yek Meng told The Straits Times yesterday at a groundbreaking ceremony for Scal’s new Construction Hub. This was after materials costs had already risen sharply over the past two years.

Speaking to ST on the sidelines of the ceremony, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee said the Government does not see any direct impact from the Ukraine war on the construction sector at this time, but it remains vigilant.

Construction material costs have gone up, but Mr Lee noted that many government projects here have fluctuation clauses that allow contract prices to be adjusted.

“We continue to study what more needs to be done to better support our contractors,” he said.

Esta historia es de la edición April 19, 2022 de The Straits Times.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición April 19, 2022 de The Straits Times.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE THE STRAITS TIMESVer todo
Different paths for middle powers India and Australia
The Straits Times

Different paths for middle powers India and Australia

A Donald Trump return also brings into sharper focus the dilemma of managing relations with the US and China.

time-read
3 minutos  |
January 04, 2025
The Straits Times

Singaporean households can now claim $300 CDC vouchers

Over 1.3 million households will benefit from move to help cushion impact of rising prices

time-read
5 minutos  |
January 04, 2025
Neil Young withdraws from Glastonbury music fest
The Straits Times

Neil Young withdraws from Glastonbury music fest

Folk legend Neil Young has pulled out of the Glastonbury music festival in 2025, alleging it has fallen under \"the corporate control\" of its partner BBC.

time-read
2 minutos  |
January 04, 2025
Rosita Missoni popularised her brand's zigzag motif
The Straits Times

Rosita Missoni popularised her brand's zigzag motif

Italian designer Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the eponymous fashion house known for its bright and patterned styles, died on Jan 1 at the age of 93, a company official said on Jan 2.

time-read
2 minutos  |
January 04, 2025
BTS' J-Hope, Squid Game star Yim Si-wan among celebs donating money
The Straits Times

BTS' J-Hope, Squid Game star Yim Si-wan among celebs donating money

South Korean rapper J-Hope of K-pop boy band BTS has joined fellow celebrities in donating money to help the families of the victims of the deadly air crash in Muan county, South Korea.

time-read
1 min  |
January 04, 2025
Meghan Markle's lifestyle show to premiere on Jan 15 on Netflix
The Straits Times

Meghan Markle's lifestyle show to premiere on Jan 15 on Netflix

Meghan Markle, the former actress wife of Britain's Prince Harry, will launch her new lifestyle and cooking show on Netflix on Jan 15, she announced on social media on Jan 2.

time-read
1 min  |
January 04, 2025
Dungeons & Dragons rolls the dice with new rules about identity
The Straits Times

Dungeons & Dragons rolls the dice with new rules about identity

While solving quests in Dungeons & Dragons, the gamers who role-play as elves, orcs and halflings rely on the abilities and personalities of their custom-made characters, whose innate charisma and strength are as crucial to success as the rolls of a 20-sided die.

time-read
4 minutos  |
January 04, 2025
Wi Ha-joon Was 'Quite Worried' Over Squid Game Role
The Straits Times

Wi Ha-joon Was 'Quite Worried' Over Squid Game Role

The actor fretted over how to portray his character and felt a lot of stress

time-read
4 minutos  |
January 04, 2025
Fast Lane
The Straits Times

Fast Lane

ICY FUN AT ICE-DRIVING COURSES IN ARCTIC CIRCLE

time-read
1 min  |
January 04, 2025
It seems to lean closer to the Cooper than the Countryman
The Straits Times

It seems to lean closer to the Cooper than the Countryman

Like the rest of the Fab Four, drummer Ringo Starr of English rock band The Beatles had a customized Mini Cooper in the 1960s.

time-read
4 minutos  |
January 04, 2025