In early April, the Singapore government reacted swiftly to the sudden explosions of virus infections among the more than 250,000 foreign workers. It had to isolate the healthy from their infected co-workers in their dormitories. Foreign workers are crucial not only to Singapore’s economy but also to the health infrastructure as they keep our housing estates and streets disease-free.

The authorities found an instant solution. Alternative lodging for thousands came in the form of floating accommodations within days of the outbreak. These accommodations are fully equipped not only with beds but also with drinking water, washrooms, bathrooms, dining halls, and even recreation facilities.

I belong to an older generation of Singapore engineers and I recall that floating foreign worker dormitories were proposed by several shipyards a long time ago. As the problem of housing foreign workers was not so pressing then, the concept did not gain traction.

Covid 19 has shown how dangerous it is to cramp workers into congested dormitories and how difficult it is to stop it spreading once it breaks out. These workers not only spread the disease among themselves but also to members of the public as they go back and forth in the city’s transportation system.

Instead of fixed location dormitories, these floats can be anchored near construction sites around the island, in Jurong, Tuas, Changi, and Bedok. Ferries have capacities exceeding 100 passengers. They are more efficient and safer in transporting them to their workplaces than pickups.

With imagination, floating accommodations can provide all the social amenities the workers need. Mini markets with fresh produce can shutter.Refrigerated spaces may also be included to store vegetables and meat. Recreation space can be placed on landscaped rooftops.

It is timely to review this concept. Floating dormitories should be a permanent solution to replace the land-based ones.

The barge can be constructed of maintenance-free concrete with a lifespan of 50 or 100 years. Beneath the deck, there would be enough space for storing water and fuel, for electricity generation and water treatment as well as air circulation fans. Such self-contained facilities need not be demolished after its economic life they can be donated to less well-endowed communities for other purposes, e.g. as schools, hospitals, budget hotels.

Development and mooring permits can be issued based on plans submitted by our local marine engineers and naval architects. Vetted and endorsed by classification societies of which there are several in Singapore, these structures will be technically and structurally sound when built. Underwriters will not hesitate to insure them. Raising funds will not be an issue with all the protocols in place.

 Please feel free to share this message with your friends as this is arguably the best solution to the perennial problem of providing decent living conditions for foreign workers.

May I wish you all a safe journey through the difficult weeks ahead.

President

Lim Soon Heng

13 April 2020