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SINGAPORE – Cafeteria operators can apply for up to 90 percent funding from the National Environment Agency (NEA) to improve the cleanliness and design of their toilets under a new program launched on Friday (October 2).
Coined as the Toilet Improvement Program, the funding, capped at $ 45,000, will cover better designs and newer technologies, as well as more effective cleaning measures for toilets in coffeeshops and street vending centers.
Only cafeteria operators that eliminate existing smoking corners in their facilities are eligible for 90 percent funding.
“This is to encourage cafeteria operators that have smoking corners in their facilities to eradicate the problem of secondhand smoke and create a more pleasant dining environment for all of their customers,” said the NEA.
Cafeteria operators that do not have smoking corners on their premises are eligible for 70% co-financing, capped at $ 35,000.
Those who choose not to remove the existing smoking corners can get 60 percent co-financing, capped at $ 30,000.
If the cafeteria operators accept the funding, they would be required to have a contract to do a deep cleaning of the renovated bathrooms once every fortnight.
The NEA said the cost of deep cleaning will be subsidized by up to 90 percent for the first year and must be done in addition to daily toilet cleaning.
A study by the Singapore Management University published in May found that hygiene standards for public toilets have dropped significantly in local street vendor centers and coffee shops, and the toilets in coffee shops are comparatively dirtier.
Edward D’Silva, president of the Public Hygiene Council, said it is important to keep public toilets clean, as they contribute to the overall cleanliness and hygiene of the dining room environment.
“Dilapidated toilets that are wet and dirty are a potential breeding ground for germs and viruses. If merchants don’t have clean toilets, this can lead to contamination of the food they prepare for us,” he said.
Mr. Kenneth Lee, who operates Hai Fong Coffeeshop, said he is interested in applying for the program, but is concerned that the restroom renovation could affect his business.
“The renovation creates a lot of dust in the air and I’m afraid that would affect food hygiene and the environment. It could also affect the cafeteria business, as some diners don’t like loud construction noises.” He said. He said.
But Lee, who is also president of the Kheng Keow Cafe Merchants Bar and Restaurant Owners Association, said the plan is good for older coffee shops like his, where toilets haven’t been renovated in the last 20 years.
The Toilet Improvement Program also covers street vendor centers, with a focus on improving toilet design, choice of sanitary fixtures, as well as encouraging users to maintain cleanliness of toilets.
The financing will be delivered to the respective municipalities and the amount of the financing granted will also depend on the treatment of the smoking corners.
The toilet financing program is scheduled through March 31, 2022.
Other efforts to improve bathroom hygiene include a half-day training session for cleaners launched by the NEA and Restroom Association (Singapore) on September 1.
After the training session, the association will conduct an audit and provide advice to the operators of the coffeeshops on the maintenance of the toilets.
As of Wednesday (September 30), the NEA said that 214 cafeteria operators had sent their cleaners for training.
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