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To design effective programme and activities, RAS needs to engage in research and development on user behaviour, latest technologies for toilets, toilet management and design etc.
By working with members of the World Toilet Organization (WTO), RAS is able to learn new things about toilet management, solving vandalism problems and alternative types of sanitation etc.
Inter-Agency Working Committee Report on Public Restrooms
RAS held a media conference on 16th December to share the key findings and recommendations of a 70-page Inter-Agency Working Committee (IAWC) report, which is also a 3-year blueprint on public restrooms. In total, there are 35 recommendations in the report which fall under three key sections namely the Owners & Operators (O&O), Contactors & Cleaners (C&C) and Users. On O&O, the findings and recommendations cover cleanliness, maintenance, design and standards. On C&C, it covers accreditation schemes and training and growing the cleaning industry. On Users, it covers education, awareness and recognition.
The inception of the IAWC in October 2008 was part of a long-term plan to achieve clean public toilets. Co-chaired by the RAS and World Toilet Organization (WTO), three sub-committees namely the O&O, C&C and Users, were formed to study problems persisting with dirty toilets. Each sub-committee met quarterly to brainstorm solutions and updated each other on the findings and recommendations. RAS consolidated the details and submitted the report in September 2010. RAS also incorporated all comments from the government agencies such as the National Environment Agency (NEA), Spring Singapore, Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Workforce Development Agency (WDA) into its final report.
[News Reports]
[Download report]
The Benchmark Toilet Study
This project studies the behaviour, usage & attitudes of users of public toilets in Singapore so as to establish benchmarks in the design, cleanliness and maintenance of toilets.
It will provide primary information to improve toilet design and maintenance, so that public toilets can be kept cleaner and meet the needs of current Singaporean users. This study is undertaken by the National University of Singapore and supported by NEA.
Portable Toilet Study
This project studies the deployment and usage of portable toilets and its impact on public health in Singapore. Through this study, RAS hopes to establish the best standards in portable toilets for users.
Currently, other than permanent brick & mortar toilets, the one-seater portable toilet is the only alternative to weekend mass gatherings in Little India, big event gatherings e.g. NDP at Marina South open fields, construction sites and other temporary sites. With no other alternatives or framework e.g. COPEH (Code of Practice for Environmental Health) for Portable Toilets, there are many potential public health hazards.
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