I have often noticed that these drains are sometimes blocked, mostly by leaves and rubbish. The leaves are mostly from roadside trees and the debris from construction sites. Then there are also the smaller drains by the side of the roads that run under the pavement. These drains are often clogged up with soil and leaves. Stagnant water is then left to collect in these drains, thus becoming potential mosquito breeding sites.

Although these are public drains, I feel that all of us can play a part to keep these drains clear. Homeowners, estate managers and even shopkeepers can do a simple inspection and clearing of the drains immediately surrounding their premises or by calling the authorities to alert them of a blockage if it is too big a job. These small actions can go a long way towards stopping the spread of dengue.

Perhaps the NEA could direct some attention to this area in their campaigns.

Joyce Ho (Mrs)