Measures to Prevent Mosquito Breeding
Ministry of Sustainability and the EnvironmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns measures to prevent mosquito breeding and contain the Zika virus, specifically regarding NEA site checks at homes and construction sites. Members of Parliament requested data on breeding evidence, harsher penalties for repeat-offender contractors, and improved vector control within workers' dormitories. Inquiries were also made regarding collaboration with the Ministry of Health and potential mandates for workers to use repellents and mosquito nets. Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M requested to address these five questions jointly to the House. Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated he would provide the response in a Ministerial Statement following the Minister for Health.
Transcript
7 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) whether he can provide an update on how many site checks have been conducted in the last 12 months by NEA for mosquito breeding in (i) homes and (ii) construction sites; and (b) what proportion of these checks have found evidence of mosquito breeding respectively.
8 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources what steps have been taken to contain the Zika virus, reduce its spread and destroy the breeding cycle of the mosquitoes.
9 Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources whether the Ministry will consider more stringent regulatory measures for vector control at vulnerable mosquito breeding locations, such as construction sites.
10 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) whether NEA will be stepping up checks for mosquito breeding in construction sites and workers' dormitories all over Singapore and not merely in areas where the first cases of Zika infection are detected; (b) what other steps will NEA be taking to improve vector control in these sites; and (c) whether the Ministry will be working with the Ministry of Health to prevent or minimise the spread of the Zika virus through better management in construction sites or workers' dormitories and, if so, what are the actions that are being taken.
11 Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) in the past five years, how many construction site contractors have been prosecuted for mosquito breeding; (b) whether harsher penalties, such as heavy fines should be implemented for contractors who are repeat offenders; (c) whether the monthly inspection regime should be applied to construction sites close to residential areas rather than just large sites; and (d) whether the Ministry will consider mandating rather than encouraging all construction site workers to apply insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M): Mdm Speaker, may I have your permission to take Question Nos 7 to 11 in a Ministerial Statement following the Minister for Health?
Mdm Speaker: I give my approval.