SOILING OF HDB LIFTS (Punitive measures)

Mr Lee Yock Suan asked the Minister for National Development, in view of the widespread soiling of Housing and Development Board lifts, if the HDB will consider, besides public exhortations and campaigns which in this instance are like preaching to the convened, more imaginative measures to apprehend the culprits including, for example, research by outside consultants to try and design lift alarm systems which may be activated by traces of urine.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Sir, the soiling of lifts is a problem, particularly in the older H DB estates. Although it is possible to instal urine-detecting devices in lifts, as suggested by the Member for Cheng San, such devices are costly to instal and maintain and may not be practicable. Such devices could create more nuisance if they are accidentally triggered off by other liquids.

The HDB is taking several measures to solve the problem. Apart from organizing talks and campaigns to educate residents, the HDB is providing additional public toilet facilities in both old and new housing estates for the convenience of residents and visitors. With these improvements, the HDB hopes that the soiling of lifts will be reduced.