While I acknowledge the encouraging 50% reduction in pigeon population across the pilot town councils, I must emphasize the urgency of this issue.
Pigeons are not merely a nuisance, they pose genuine health risks. Their droppings carry dangerous diseases such as Cryptococcosis, Histoplasmosis, and Psittacosis. When dried droppings turn to dust, residents inhale contaminated particles that can cause severe respiratory infections, particularly affecting our elderly and immunocompromised individuals.
Beyond health concerns, residents bear real financial costs. A constituent shared that he had to engage an air-conditioning specialist to clean his compressor unit because pigeons had defecated on it repeatedly. He paid out of pocket for a problem not of his making. How many more residents are silently suffering similar inconveniences and expenses?
I am concerned about the pace of the rollout. The NParks pilot began in July 2024 with three town councils, and only expanded to three more in June 2025, nearly a year later. With many estates still experiencing persistent pigeon problems, can the Minister provide a clear timeline for extending this programme to all remaining town councils? Residents in affected areas cannot wait indefinitely for relief.
Regarding the 35-unit netting trial, I propose that the Ministry consider reducing the trial duration to gather sufficient data more quickly. This would allow effective solutions to be rolled out to affected estates sooner, providing residents with much-needed relief.
Effective pigeon management requires Government leadership, community cooperation, and adequate resources. Our residents deserve clean, safe, and hygienic living environments free from preventable health hazards and unnecessary financial burdens.
