Contractors, homeowners eager for renovations to resume but this must be done safely: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE — For home renovation projects to continue, requirements must first be met such that works are carried out safely to minimise the spread of Covid-19, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said.
SINGAPORE — For home renovation projects to continue, requirements must first be met such that works are carried out safely to minimise the spread of Covid-19, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said.
Speaking on Monday (June 1) at a press conference held by the multi-ministry task force handling the Covid-19 pandemic, he said: “I appreciate that many contractors are very eager to resume work. I also appreciate that many individuals are eager for their contractors to resume work on renovation projects.
“We want these works to resume as fast as possible but we need to ensure the requirements are met and done safely.”
TODAY had reported on Sunday that many contractors and sub-contractors handling renovations at residences are facing a series of difficulties in restarting work given the new guidelines they have to adhere to.
These include submitting their application forms successfully, applying for an online training course and getting their workers tested for Covid-19.
Mr Wong said that these were all “very new requirements” for contractors and also for the Government to regulate and put in place.
While there are “quite a few” guidelines, he said that these were necessary and he urged all parties involved to work through these guidelines patiently and systematically.
He added that the Government will work with contractors on these guidelines because they are on the ground and may come up with innovative ideas based on their own experience that achieve the same outcomes.
“We will also listen to their feedback and work through their processes to make sure construction work resumes safely,” he said.