At the inaugural Singapore WASH Conference held on World Toilet Day (WTD), 19th November, at the Tampines Regional Library, a WTD observance ceremony was first held with a video screening of "Where you go, matters" followed by observing a minute of silence for 2.5 billion people who do not have access to proper sanitation and 1.5 million children who die as a result of poor sanitation. Prior to presenting the LOO Awards to the unsung heroes behind clean public toilets, Guest of Honour, Minister Grace Fu launched the 3rd edition of A Guide to Better Public Toilet Design and Maintenance. This guide provides qualified persons such as engineers, architects, environmental and facility management professionals with information about good design, maintenance and user education. Design and user-friendly features which can influence better user behaviour were introduced in this latest edition. More comprehensive information on maintenance was also incorporated. The first edition was published in 1999 by the then Ministry of the Environment. The second edition was published in 2002 by RAS, in partnership with the National Environment Agency (NEA).
After the launch, 20 awards were presented at the LOO Awards ceremony with a record of 10 awards and grocery vouchers presented to restroom cleaning attendants in recognition of their efforts and professionalism. As its strategic move to evolve as a one-stop solution provider, RAS also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with two partners namely BusAds and Nicae Trading & Industrial Supplies that offer odour reduction solutions and nano-coating technology respectively. Another MOU was also signed in September with Infinergy Systems Solutions (ISS), an IT partner, to provide innovative solutions such as an electronic feedback system. ISS is the first company to sign an MOU with RAS. RAS has been providing solutions in terms of certification, consultation, education and training since its inception in 1998 but has never looked into product solutions.
The WASH conference, which was organised for building owners and qualified persons, focussed on four themes. On WASH regulations and guidelines, the Building & Construction Authority (BCA) and National Environment Agency (NEA) first shared about their latest regulatory updates followed by RAS on its 3rd edition guide. On WASH planning, the Association of Consulting Engineers (ACES) presented on practical challenges in design and construction of WASH systems while Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) on its WSQ training on Environmental Cleaning. On WASH practices, Environmental Management Association of Singapore (EMAS) provided audience with tips on best practices in environmental management while NEA updated the audience about its Enhanced Clean Mark Accreditation Scheme. Finally on WASH promotion, Lien Aid, World Toilet Organization (WTO) and RAS shared about their community-based programmes and activities that are promoting WASH to the public. RAS wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to the above organisations for not only contributing its expertise but also supporting the WTD.
