Ascertaining Mosquito-breeding Sites in Covered Drains

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources how do the relevant agencies ascertain whether there are mosquito-breeding sites in covered drains.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Drains are covered in order to reduce the entry of debris, litter and leaves that may obstruct the free flow of water.

All covered drains have maintenance access points for regular cleaning and maintenance. Drains maintained by PUB are cleaned weekly. As a precaution, drains in areas with dengue clusters are cleaned and flushed twice weekly.

Town Councils are expected to have similar inspection and cleaning regimes for drains in areas that they are responsible for.