CLEANING OF DRAINS AND REMOVAL OF REFUSE BIN CENTRE

Mr S. V. Lingam asked the Minister for Health (a) whether he is aware that the drains in Moonstone Lane, Opal Crescent, Ruby Lane, Topaz Road, Woodsville Road, Meyappa Chettiar Road and the surroundings are not cleaned properly and that the residents of those areas have complained about the breeding of mosquitoes, and whether the necessary action will be taken in the matter; and (b) whether he will cause the existing refuse bin centre at Meyappa Chettiar Road which is about ten feet away from the nearest houses to be removed.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: (a) The drains of this area are subject to weekly or more frequent cleansing by the newly established Emergency Cleansing Corps. House-to-house collection of refuse is being done daily or on alternate days, at present. A fair number of the drains in this area are �dry� , namely without flow of water during dry weather, and as such should not give rise to any mosquito breeding. There is, however, evidence of indiscriminate dumping of refuse by householders or other persons into drains and on vacant land in this area. Action has, in fact, been taken by the Public Cleansing Department on these contraventions of the Cleansing Regulations.

A special mosquito survey was conducted on 14th June, 1966 of houses in the area bounded by Moonstone Lane, Opal Crescent, Ruby Lane, Topaz Road, Woodsville Road, Meyappa Chettiar Road and the surroundings. This survey showed that of the 167 premises inspected, 22 (14 per cent) were found to have places which bred mosquitoes. The places where mosquitoes had been found to breed include articles ranging from disused motor truck tires, fish tanks, tin-pails, disused W.C. pans, earth drains and sullage drains.

The general situation of this area also favours the breeding of mosquitoes, which is only 200 yards from Sungei Kallang. Sungei Kallang has been a frequent source of mosquito breeding because of changes in water level and other problems of drainage and water flow. There are also the problems of extensive earth movements and silting at the mouth of this river. Owing to multiple problems in connection with this river, only palliative measures by oiling against mosquito breeding can be taken and although of limited value, this is being done. The proper solution to the problem of Sungei Kallang is improvement to the banks of the river. The attention of the Public Works Department and Housing and Development Board, who are carrying out this work, has been drawn to this situation.

(b) The Refuse bin-centre referred to is a pre-war bin centre situated on Crown land, and situated at least 25 feet (not 10 feet as stated) from the nearest house and is built on a concrete platform. It is also sited conveniently for the cleansing beat labourers to dispose of the refuse from adjacent kampongs. The centre is also situated away from the main Serangoon Road and adjacent to the kampong area. It appears from a survey of the area that present site is the most convenient and practicable one. Any new site will equally bring objections from adjacent householders.