ADDENDUM TO PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS AT THE OPENING OF THE SECOND SESSION OF THE SECOND PARLIAMENT ON WEDNESDAY, 21ST JULY, 1971 PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE

Anti-Pollution Unit

Rapid urbanisation, industrialisation and increasing numbers of motor vehicles are making more acute the problems of air pollution. The Anti-Pollution Unit, which was set up last year, has undertaken basic air pollution monitoring throughout Singapore. So far the monitoring shows that air pollution levels are not yet acute, although they are increasing in the industrial estates.

Preventive and control measures include the careful siting of industries. We have also to see that we do not `import' the very dirty industries, where the industrialist will not or cannot install antipollution measures because it will be too costly.

Laws and regulations for industrial air pollution control have been drafted. When passed, these will be gradually but systematically enforced. Grace periods may be given for existing factories to comply with anti-pollution regulations.

Continual surveillance by the Traffic Police and Registry of Vehicles has resulted in fewer smoky exhausts. New motor vehicles will be required to install a crankcase re-circulation device to cut down pollution. This will help to cut down pollution by motor vehicles.

Even more important is the prevention of water pollution. The whole of Singapore will be sewered, in phases over a period of 10 years. All kitchens, salvage bath and other polluted household water must go into the sewers and not into open drains. Industrial wastewater must be treated to reduce the pollution before being discharged into canals, open drains or sewers.

As these measures are implemented in phased areas, our water resources will increase.