With the cumulative number of dengue cases for this year (as of 11 Aug 2020) standing at more than 23,800, the National Environment Agency is working with town councils to step up dengue prevention efforts across the island.
At Jurong-Clementi Town Council, ongoing efforts are being conducted by the estate management teams to check the canopy of linkways, to ensure there are no discarded items and water ponding. On a daily basis, the cleaners will also remove items in the common area to ensure that there is no water ponding among the discarded items.
To prevent water accumulation in the lightning conductor pits on walkways and the inspection chambers, which are used to access underground pipeworks, these areas have been treated and sealed with masking tape. Drains in the estate are also flushed regularly, with oiling done to prevent mosquito breeding in these areas.
Discarded items such as plastic containers, plastic sheets and dried leaves can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and ongoing works are conducted to comb the open fields and clear waste. As Singapore has experienced more rainy weather in recent months, gutter systems used to divert rainwater from roofs are also inspected on a regular basis at bus stops and sheltered linkways. Additional fumigation and misting are also being carried out in areas where there is a high number of dengue cases.
In the upcoming seventh lunar month, cleaners will also be deployed to clear incense burning areas and rubbish containers regularly. The town council is also working with the Land Transport Authority and the National Parks Board to rectify damaged or defective footpaths that have water ponding issues.
To educate residents on dengue prevention at home, banners are also being put up at digital notice boards to raise awareness of the five-step mozzie wipeout. Other prevention tips also include spraying insecticide in dark corners around the house and putting on clothes with long sleeves.