To this end, the BCA has announced measures to hasten the resumption of on-site construction work, in a bid to revive the ailing sector. Under this, some 40,000 migrant workers will be allowed to resume work without needing a BCA approval. These workers were approved as they were deemed clear of the coronavirus, are not on stay-home notices and are staying in dormitories cleared of the virus. They must also have installed the TraceTogether app.
Construction activity this year was expected to hit a high, with nominal output slated to increase between $30 billion and $32 billion, according to estimates by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in early January.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic grounded all construction activity as measures were undertaken to stem the spread of coronavirus infections among migrant workers who account for a significant proportion of the sector’s workforce. In 2Q2020, the construction sector’s contribution to GDP plunged 59.3% to an all-time low. About 42,000 workers also suffered pay cuts as part of cost-cutting measures, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said in a report on Aug 20.
