Ministry of National Development

Specifically, MND is responsible for:

• National land-use and development planning to guide Singapore’s physical development to bring about economic and social progress.
• Provision of affordable public housing.
• Urban redevelopment and conservation. We balance between urban redevelopment and conservation of our built heritage.
• Development of an efficient construction industry to support our physical development.
  Ensuring an adequate supply of wholesome fresh food for our people.
• Provision and management of parks and conservation of nature.

Their Agencies

MND carries out its key responsibilities through the following statutory boards:

• Housing & Development Board
• Urban Redevelopment Authority
• National Parks Board
• Agri-food & Veterinary Authority
• Building & Construction Authority

Two professional boards, namely the Board of Architects and the Professional Engineers Board also come under the aegis of MND.

Board of Architects
The Board of Architects is the statutory authority established to administer the Architects Act in Singapore. The Architects Act 1991 sets out provisions to provide for the registration of architects, the regulation of architectural qualifications, the practice of architecture by registered individuals and the supply of architectural services by corporations.

Professional Engineers Board
The Professional Engineers Board is the statutory authority established to administer the Professional Engineers Act in Singapore. The Professional Engineers Act provides for the registration of professional engineers, the regulation of the qualifications and conduct of professional engineers, and the regulation of corporations which supply professional engineering services in Singapore.

Future Challenges:
MND's Addendum To The President's Address (5 Oct 1999)

Mr Mah Bow Tan
Minister for National Development

1. We will enhance Singapore’s physical infrastructure and environment to make it a thriving and vibrant world-class city for business, living and leisure.

2. We have commenced the review of the Concept Plan which is scheduled to be completed by 2001. The Concept Plan 2001 will provide a strategic and long-term framework for the physical development of Singapore in the next decade. The detailed land use intentions will be reflected in the Master Plan 2003, incorporating ideas and directions generated from the Concept Plan review.

A City for Business

3. To ensure continued economic growth, we will set aside sufficient land for commerce, industry and infrastructure. We will encourage more intensified development of industrial land, and redevelop HDB industrial estates to meet the needs of SMEs.

4. We will also focus on the development of the New Downtown in Marina South. A comprehensive Common Services Tunnel (CST) network to house utility services like electricity and telecom cables, water and district cooling pipes will be implemented at Marina South. Besides using road space more efficiently, it will create a more pleasant and efficient urban environment for businesses.

A City for Gracious Living

5. We will work to realise the Punggol 21 vision. The new town will offer residents new lifestyle options with distinctively designed public and private housing forms. It will be served by a well-integrated transport network and a variety of recreational facilities. If well received, the planning concepts will be adopted in other new HDB towns.

6. The Estate Renewal Strategy (ERS) is already in full swing in Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio, Queenstown, Mountbatten and Bedok. Through the ERS, residents of the older HDB estates will be able to enjoy a better living environment without having to move out from their familiar surroundings.

7. We will step up the Main and Interim Upgrading Programmes next year if the economic recovery is sustained. Suitable precincts with high redevelopment potential will also be identified for the Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme.

8. We will release sufficient land to meet the aspirations of Singaporeans to own private residential properties. The sale of land for private housing and Executive Condominiums will resume from Year 2000. We will also study ways to enhance the surroundings of the older private residential estates.

9. We will improve the quality and productivity of our construction industry. To do this, we will raise the level of professionalism at all levels in the industry, build a skilled workforce and integrate the design and construction process.

Home Ownership for All

10. The HDB home ownership programme has been vital to building a nation where everyone has a stake in Singapore’s success, feels a sense of belonging and ownership, and contributes to make Singapore a world-class home for all. We will continue to promote home ownership among Singaporeans. Today, 86% of Singa-poreans live in HDB flats.

11. We will adjust HDB’s Building Programme regularly to meet the demand for new flats. We will also keep prices of new HDB flats affordable. 90% of Singapo-rean households will be able to afford at least a 3-room flat, and 70% at least a 4-room flat. To help younger Singaporeans set up families earlier, first-time applicants will continue to be accorded priority in the allocation of new HDB flats.

12. Low-income families will receive special assistance. The new Rent and Purchase Scheme will offer such households an additional option when buying 3-room flats.

A Quality Lifestyle

13. We will make Singapore our garden. We will provide more tree-lined streetscapes and ample recreational open space even as Singapore becomes more urbanised. Our park network and park facilities will be developed and managed to enhance the enjoyment of our people. We will introduce scenic nightscape lighting at the Singapore Botanic Gardens and other major parks. We will also provide more recreational opportunities in our parks to promote community usage.

Our heavy reliance on food imports makes us vulnerable to outbreaks of food-poisoning and animal diseases which can be transmitted to humans. We will upgrade our food inspection and surveillance systems and laboratory services. We will also diversify our sources for the supply of safe foods to meet increasing demands from our growing population.