by MP for Aljunied GRC, Low Thia Khiang
Chairman Sir,
1. I believe the Minister is well aware that residents living near Bedok Reservoir have been plagued by midgets again recently. This swarm of green flies seems to have become an annual affair since their outbreak in 2010.
2. According to NEA, midges do not bite or carry diseases but this is hardly a consolation to residents whose lives are affected by this nuisance. Some residents are also worried that property prices in the area may be also affected if the problem is not solved.
3. Much as I appreciate that the various government agencies such as NEA, PUB and NParks worked closely with the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council during the outbreak to minimize the impact of the midges on the residents and shop operators, it is imperative that the Ministry solve the problem soon.
4. We cannot fire fight the problem every year. Not only it is a problem for the residents, it is also costly, as daily fogging must be carried out during the outbreak.
5. Moreover, fogging is not a solution to the problem. Fogging will kill the adult midges and lower their numbers, but not the larvae, which is the root cause.
6. I understand that the breeding ground of midges is in the reservoir. I would like to know whether the PUB has done any study or research to find out the cause for the repeated outbreak over the last two years and what is the long-term solution to the problem?