MY CHILD started attending primary school this year.

Regrettably, I discovered how dirty and smelly the toilets in his school are.

The volume of water released from a cistern when it is flushed appears to be restricted.

While this is probably a water- conservation measure, the volume is inadequate and the flush is likely not strong enough to get rid of waste.

It is probably also responsible for the strong stench of urine in the toilets.

Similarly, the water pressure of taps at wash basins is weak. Water comes out of the taps in a trickle.

Children are always in a hurry to join their friends. It is hard to expect them to stand at the wash basin for a good two minutes to make sure their hands are thoroughly washed.

The anti-slip mats in the toilets are also grimy. I have doubts about the frequency with which washing and disinfecting is carried out in these toilets.

It is no wonder that some children would rather control the urge to visit the toilet until they get home.

In contrast, the teachers' toilets are sparkling clean, with a strong flow of water from cisterns and taps. There is even a deodoriser.

What I saw was not an isolated case as I checked the toilets over several weekends when I took my son for enrichment classes.

My colleagues say that toilets in their children's schools are no better, secondary schools included.

With the world on the brink of a pandemic and all the calls being made for the public to practise good personal hygiene, I urge the authorities to look into this matter urgently as school toilets are frequented by thousands of children daily.

Ms Lim Li Yong

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