Singapore's National water agency PUB said on Thursday that it will replace the 9-litre water closets fitted in older HDB flats for lower-income households for free. According to authorities, these water closets, which were phased out in 1992, use twice as much water as new models.
PUB said eligible households will be getting more water-efficient ones free of charge over the next three years.
The project was announced during this year's Budget debate. It aims to help these families save water by replacing the water closets, and any non-water efficient washbasin taps and kitchen sink taps.
Almost 9,000 families, who are living in HDB flats built between 1986 and 1992 and are currently on community assistance schemes, are expected to benefit from this.
"Nine-litre water closets use nearly twice the amount of water per full flush, compared to more water-efficient water closets," Michael Toh, PUB's director of water supply (network) told Channel NewsAsia. "We hope that helping these families replace their non-water efficient water closets and taps will help them save water and reduce their water bills by as much as 10 per cent."
The authorities added that the agency will progressively inform eligible households from June. They will start with those 5,700 households, who are living in HDB three-room flats. Then, these households can contact PUB or its appointed contractor to arrange for the replacement of their 9-litre water closet.
PUB added that the second phase of the project will commence in October for the remaining eligible HDB flats. Members of the public can visit the official website of PUB (www.pub.gov.sg) to get more details about the project.
