WE THANK Mr Anthony Ng Seet Boo ("Implement grading system for toilets"; Forum Online, last Thursday) and Ms Bee Wee Mee Leng ("Constant reminders needed for a clean city"; Forum Online, last Thursday) for their feedback and suggestions.
We agree with Ms Wee that "it should be everyone's responsibility to treat public places like their homes and to keep them clean".
If every user showed consideration to the next user and helped keep the public places clean, we will be able to keep Singapore much cleaner and with far fewer cleaners.
Nonetheless, premises owners also need to play their part to ensure their facilities are working properly and are well maintained, so as to beget good behaviour on the part of users.
Public toilet owners are legally required to keep their toilets clean and to ensure that adequate toilet facilities are provided at all times.
While the National Environment Agency (NEA) does not prescribe specific arrangements for toilet maintenance, toilet owners should engage either cleaning companies or in-house cleaning staff to ensure the regular cleaning and maintenance of their toilets.
NEA will take enforcement action against errant premises owners who fail to keep toilets clean and appliances in good working order.
A Happy Toilet Programme - developed and implemented by the Restroom Association of Singapore (RAS), with support from NEA - was launched in 2003.
The programme grades public toilets based on five main areas - design, cleanliness, effectiveness, maintenance and user satisfaction.
Those that meet the minimum criteria are given three stars, and best-in-class toilets are awarded six stars.
The NEA is working closely with RAS to promote this voluntary Happy Toilet Programme. We are also working with stakeholders to improve the standards of other non-participating premises, and, in time to come, we hope that many more would meet the minimum criteria to be certified as Happy Toilets.
Members of the public who encounter any public toilets in poor state of cleanliness or maintenance can call 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255-632) or e-mail contact_nea@nea.gov.sg
Tony Teo
Director
Environmental Public Health Operations
National Environment Agency
Emerson Hee
Executive Director
Restroom Association (Singapore)
We agree with Ms Wee that "it should be everyone's responsibility to treat public places like their homes and to keep them clean".
If every user showed consideration to the next user and helped keep the public places clean, we will be able to keep Singapore much cleaner and with far fewer cleaners.
Nonetheless, premises owners also need to play their part to ensure their facilities are working properly and are well maintained, so as to beget good behaviour on the part of users.
Public toilet owners are legally required to keep their toilets clean and to ensure that adequate toilet facilities are provided at all times.
While the National Environment Agency (NEA) does not prescribe specific arrangements for toilet maintenance, toilet owners should engage either cleaning companies or in-house cleaning staff to ensure the regular cleaning and maintenance of their toilets.
NEA will take enforcement action against errant premises owners who fail to keep toilets clean and appliances in good working order.
A Happy Toilet Programme - developed and implemented by the Restroom Association of Singapore (RAS), with support from NEA - was launched in 2003.
The programme grades public toilets based on five main areas - design, cleanliness, effectiveness, maintenance and user satisfaction.
Those that meet the minimum criteria are given three stars, and best-in-class toilets are awarded six stars.
The NEA is working closely with RAS to promote this voluntary Happy Toilet Programme. We are also working with stakeholders to improve the standards of other non-participating premises, and, in time to come, we hope that many more would meet the minimum criteria to be certified as Happy Toilets.
Members of the public who encounter any public toilets in poor state of cleanliness or maintenance can call 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255-632) or e-mail contact_nea@nea.gov.sg
Tony Teo
Director
Environmental Public Health Operations
National Environment Agency
Emerson Hee
Executive Director
Restroom Association (Singapore)
