The authorities in Singapore are trying to create new housing for about 60,000 foreign workers by the end of the year.
They want to reduce the crowds in residential complexes to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
In the affluent city-state with 5.7 million inhabitants, more than 35,000 people have so far been diagnosed with the coronavirus.
Little Singapore is, therefore, one of the most affected countries in the region.
The virus was able to spread quickly because hundreds of thousands of workers from abroad often live close together.
They also share toilets and bathrooms. Among other things, the focus is now on reducing the number of beds per room.
The government says that temporary buildings can be built to house people. Unused government buildings such as former schools and empty factories can also be used for that purpose.