NCE Guide for Earthwork Contractors

1) Obtain an Endorsed Underground Services Detection Plan

Before commencement, engage a licensed cable detection worker to carry out the required site survey and pegging works. The endorsed detection plan will show the indicative routes of underground cables and pipelines within and around the work area.

2) Verify Existing Underground Cables/Pipes Within the Site Vicinity

What is NCE?

NCE stands for Notice of Commencement of Earthworks (also commonly referred to as Notification of Commencement of Earthworks).

NCE is mandatory and must be submitted to the relevant service provider(s) before any earthworks or excavation begins. Upon submission, service providers may issue approval and/or specific requirements that must be complied with prior to the start of actual earthworks.

Verification Methods

A common method for verification is physical verification, such as trial holes / trial trenches / trial pits, where controlled and careful excavation is carried out to expose and confirm the location and depth of existing underground services.

Non-destructive options may also be used (e.g., Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)), depending on site conditions and project requirements.

Service Providers and Compliance

Major service providers in Singapore—including SP PowerGrid, SP PowerGas, Singtel, StarHub, NetLink Trust, M1 and others—own underground assets such as cables, pipes, and chambers across the island.

During trial trenching and any excavation works, it is mandatory that excavator operators are Registered Earthworks Operators (REO) and works are supervised by Registered Earthworks Supervisors (RES), in accordance with service provider requirements and relevant regulatory expectations (e.g., SPPG / EMA where applicable).

Key NCE Submission Information

Earthwork contractors should prepare accurate and timely inputs, which commonly include:

1. Project title and stakeholder details

2. RES details

3. REO details

4. Site in-charge details

5. Worksite boundary

6. Proposed works plans

7. Trial trench plans and photographs (where required)

8. Measures and methodology to prevent damage to existing services

Timely submission and complete documentation are critical to avoid delays to the earthworks programme.

3) Commence Earthworks Only After Approval/Requirements Are Issued

Only after the relevant NCE submission has been made and the service provider(s) have issued their approval and/or requirements (including diversion instructions where necessary), should actual earthworks begin.

Damage prevention measures must be maintained throughout the duration of the earthworks, not only during the NCE stage. Where underground services are unclear, works should stop and clarification should be sought from the licensed cable detection worker or relevant parties.

Singapore’s electricity, gas, telecommunications, water, and sewer infrastructure is highly reliable because it is protected by robust planning and safe work practices. All parties have a responsibility to uphold these standards and prevent damage to underground services, ensuring a safer worksite for everyone.