PUB designated again as WHO collaborating centre on water and sanitation

PUB's Water Quality Office has been designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre for safe drinking water management. PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - National water agency PUB's Water Quality Office has been designated as a World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for safe drinking water management and integrated urban water management for another four years.

It is one of 15 WHO Collaborating Centres on water and sanitation worldwide, and one of two such centres in the Western Pacific Region.

During its term from 2012 to 2016, PUB contributed to tackling emerging issues of concern in drinking water, and was involved in building water safety capabilities by conducting Water Safety Plan workshops for the region.

It also contributed to publications such as the Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (4th Edition), Water Safety Planning for Small Community Water Supplies, and Water Safety in Distributions.

Dr Maria Neira, WHO director for public health, environmental and social determinants of health said the United Nations agency is pleased to continue its partnership with PUB.

She said PUB has "enhanced the promotion of water-related public health strategies in the WHO Western Pacific Region and other regions in the world" and looks forward to greater collaboration between the two organisations.

Mr Lim Mong Hoo, PUB's chief specialist in water quality, said in a news release on Wednesday (Jan 6) that it hopes to drive the implementation of sustainable water solutions worldwide.

"We believe that, by sharing our knowledge and experience in safe drinking-water management, we can contribute to helping the global water community address challenges posed by climate change, population growth and rapid urbanisation," he said.

As a WHO Collaborating Centre, PUB works closely with WHO in areas such as the sharing of expertise and knowledge; training for WHO member states; research on water quality issues; and assisting the WHO during emergency response and disasters.

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