This is a full version of NEA’s reply issued to the media agency; published in The Straits Times, 30 Dec 2019.
We thank Mr Alan Chin for his feedback (‘Step up checks on construction sites for stagnant water’, 24 Dec 2019).
2 The National Environment Agency (NEA) has stepped up the inspection of construction sites, and has reminded construction site management of the need to tackle mosquito breeding, through tightening their housekeeping regime. We have also made publicly available on our NEA website, myENV app and other official channels, information on areas with relatively higher Aedes aegypti mosquito population. This can further facilitate targeted action by all community stakeholders and premise owners, including those of construction sites and vacant sites, to ensure that their premises are kept free of mosquito breeding habitats.
3 NEA takes strict enforcement action against premises found with mosquito breeding. From January to November 2019, NEA conducted about 849,000 inspections islandwide, including about 6,100 at construction sites. During this period, NEA issued about 390 summonses and 25 Stop Work Orders to construction sites. In addition, 13 contractors were charged in court for repeat offences.
4 Through the concerted efforts by the Singapore Contractors Association Ltd (SCAL) and industry leaders, fewer construction sites have been found to have mosquito breeding, with a reduction from 11 per cent in 2013 to six per cent in 2019.
5 Good mosquito control at the construction sites, and personal protection through the use of mosquito repellent, are essential to prevent mosquito-borne disease transmission. To help construction site supervisors educate and protect their workers against dengue, NEA has produced educational materials in various languages, to reach out to foreign workers. These are distributed to construction sites and foreign worker dormitories.
6 NEA will continue to regularly inspect construction sites, and we urge the construction sector to maintain good housekeeping and remain vigilant in eradicating mosquito breeding habitats.
Tony Teo (Mr)
Director, Environmental Public Health Operations
National Environment Agency