As construction projects around the world face multitudinous covid-related hurdles centred around labour, supply chain, financing and regulatory issues, Singapore’s methodical approach to the pandemic has allowed it to recover more quickly than most. This has created local and regional opportunities for UK construction businesses.

In the early stages of the outbreak, infections were well controlled in local communities, but when the virus spread to the foreign worker dormitories the numbers spiralled and the Singapore government had to step in by imposing a nationwide circuit-breaker and other measures. Within months, it had successfully contained the spread.

The industry, which last year suffered heavy losses as a result of low activity and demand, is now gradually recovering. Construction works, halted during the circuit-breaker, have resumed under the Singapore Building and Construction Authority’s Covid-Safe Restart programme, which imposes stringent requirements on construction companies in relation to worker accommodation, transport and safety at the worksite. Local and international construction companies and consultancies have adopted a combination of safe-working measures for the office and work-from-home practices.

Read more …