ADVERSE IMPACT OF COVID-19 IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND IMPROVEMENT MEASURES

Abstract

The unprecedented Coronavirus Disease 2019 (‘COVID-19’) pandemic has impacted the construction industry in Singapore. The outbreak of virus transmission in foreign workers’ dormitories in 2020 had led to suspension of construction activities during the Circuit Breaker. Construction projects saw a prolonged delay due to a slow recovery post-Circuit Breaker and manpower shortage from border restrictions. Additional cost was also incurred from employment of foreign workers, increase in material costs and prolongation of project completion.

This research aims to evaluate the adequacy of relief measures in Singapore to help the construction industry cope with the impact of the pandemic. A literature review was done to establish the impact of the pandemic and the relief measures available to construction stakeholders. Interviews were also conducted to gain insights from industry practitioners on their experiences and to seek opinions on the efficacy of relief measures.

Based on the findings gathered from the literature and interviews, seven improvement measures were proposed, alongside further recommendations to address downsides identified. The author hopes that the proposed improvement measures would benefit construction stakeholders in coping with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research further recognised areas for improvement and recommendations for future research.

The author endeavoured to reflect the COVID-19 situation in Singapore as at 15 February 2022.