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SINGAPORE: Cafeterias that want to improve the design and infrastructure of their toilets can get up to 90 percent funding from the National Environment Agency (NEA) under a new program launched on Friday (October 2).
Coffee shops are eligible for the highest co-financing of 90 per cent, capped at S $ 45,000, if they also eliminate existing smoking corners.
“This is to incentivize cafeteria operators that have smoking corners on their premises to eradicate the problem of secondhand smoke and create a more pleasant dining environment for all of their customers,” the agency said in a press release.
READ: NEA urges cafeterias to eliminate smoking corners, launches restroom upgrade program
OBSERVE: The new hygiene standards for public toilets will take effect from April 2020
Coffee shops that do not have smoking corners can apply for 70 per cent financial support, capped at S $ 35,000, the basic subsidy level.
Operators who choose not to eliminate smoking corners will be eligible for 60 per cent funding, capped at S $ 30,000.
“Good design lays the foundation for clean public restrooms,” NEA said in launching the Restroom Improvement Program.
“While participation in the program is optional, operators of around 1,100 cafeterias in Singapore are strongly encouraged to sign up, as cleaning toilets contributes significantly to the overall hygiene of cafeterias as food establishments and is good for your business. “
THE DEEP CLEANING OF THE TOILETS IS DONE EVERY FIFTEEN NIGHTS
Under the Toilet Improvement Program, cafeterias are required to establish a cleaning contract to perform a deep cleaning of the renovated toilets once every fortnight.
“This cleanup contract will also be heavily subsidized, down to the same 90 percent level, and will be co-financed during the first year,” NEA said.
He added that deep cleaning must be done in addition to daily cleaning.
READ: ‘Marked regression’ in cleaning public toilets in cafeterias, street vendor centers: SMU study
READ: Do hand dryers in public restrooms spread bacteria and fungi?
For hawker centers, the NEA will similarly co-finance city councils up to 90 percent of the cost of the restroom upgrade.
NEA said it aims to co-finance up to 40 hawker centers whose common areas and restrooms are managed by their city councils.
The Toilet Improvement Program runs through March 2022.
READ: Drinking water from a public toilet? Singapore taps put to the test
The NEA said periodic inspections are conducted, adding that action was taken against 123 owners and operators of public restrooms between January 1 and August 31.
Penalties were increased earlier this year for failure to clean public restrooms.
For example, the owners and operators of public toilets can be fined up to S $ 400 on the first offense for failing to provide basic services such as soap or toilet paper.
Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu said that public health and cleanliness are “key to protecting our community from environmental threats to public health.”
Addressing the COVID-19 situation, Ms Fu said that the pandemic has underscored the importance of improving the cleanliness of public areas and services in Singapore, including bathrooms.
“Although the Government will continue to support the improvement of the infrastructure of public toilets and the training and improvement of the environmental services sector, the operators of the facilities must intensify and be co-owners of the efforts to guarantee the provision of services and regular maintenance. of sanitary fixtures, ”Ms. Fu said.
“Restroom users must also use the facilities responsibly and help keep the restrooms clean. Let’s work collectively to keep Singapore clean and safe. “
