We thank Mr Andy Tan for his letter ("Raise awareness of Quieter Construction Fund"; Forum Online, June 14).
Since the Quieter Construction Fund (QCF) was introduced in April 2014, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has approved 43 applications with a total amount of more than $1.4 million to be disbursed.
In March this year, the NEA extended the end of the QCF application period to March 31, 2018, and increased the cap for grants disbursed for each project from $100,000 to $200,000, to encourage greater adoption of quieter machines, noise-control equipment and other innovative solutions to reduce construction noise.
As the QCF is a government-funded scheme, the requirement for three quotes to be submitted is necessary to ensure that the fund is managed fairly and prudently.
Furthermore, as the NEA does not endorse any particular supplier of quieter machines or noise-control equipment, a list of such suppliers is not provided.
To assist contractors in selecting equipment for quieter construction, we have provided a list of supported equipment, such as jack-in piling machines and silent sheet pilers for piling works, concrete crushers and shears for demolition, perimeter noise barriers and crack inducers for pile head removal.
The NEA is continuing its efforts to encourage companies to tap the QCF to adopt quieter construction solutions, through seminars and meetings with stakeholders, outreach efforts at construction-related events and walk-in consultation clinics for potential applicants.
Companies which need assistance to apply for the QCF are encouraged to contact NEA via our hotline on 6731-9834, or e-mail us at NEA_QCF@nea.gov.sg
Companies which wish to find out more about the fund can visit NEA's website at www.nea.gov.sg/grants-awards/quieter-construction-fund
Fong Peng Keong
Director
Pollution Control Department
National Environment Agency