Forum: Are anti-littering measures working?
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I refer to the National Environment Agency’s letter “NEA acts firmly against litterbugs, including recalcitrant offenders” (June 26).
Over the years, there have been numerous Forum letters highlighting Singapore’s persistent litter problem.
NEA’s replies reiterate its multi-pronged approach, enforcement efforts, corrective work orders and partnerships. While these measures are important, the more fundamental question is whether we are actually making meaningful progress. Are these measures working, or do we perhaps need more innovative ideas?
It would be useful for NEA to share the targets it has set for reducing litter and how success is being measured. Are there indicators showing that our streets and neighbourhoods are becoming cleaner over time, or that littering incidents are declining?
As a citizen who cares deeply about Singapore’s cleanliness, I notice that litter remains a common sight in many neighbourhoods and public spaces. Surely we can do better.
Singapore has earned a reputation as a clean city. To sustain that reputation, we need not only continued efforts, but also transparent measures of whether those efforts are delivering better outcomes.
Francis Yeoh
