Singapore has long been known as one of the cleanest cities in the world. We have come a long way since the early days of our nation, where we faced environmental challenges such as litter strewn streets, polluted waterways and poor public sanitation.

 

Today, we enjoy clean air, pristine waterways that run through our little island, and spotlessly clean streets.

 

However, if we were to take a closer look, we would know that we are not truly clean after all. It is not difficult to find errant litter hiding under the bushes, badly littered neighbourhoods in the wee hours of the morning, and dirty public toilets.

 

With more than 59,000 cleaners cleaning after us, it is easy to deduce that we have started to delegate the responsibility in keeping Singapore clean to the cleaners. We have lost the sense of responsibility in keeping public spaces clean.

 

We need to recognise that Singapore is our home. We do not litter at home, and neither do we leave our toilets at home in poorly maintained conditions. It is time we recognise that our home goes beyond the four walls we wake up to every morning.

 

Our home extends beyond our doorstep. Our home is where we meet our friends for a hearty meal; it is the park where we enjoy a lovely evening stroll; it is the bus-stop where we catch the bus to work; it is the neighbourhood gym where we visit for a good workout.

 

All these places make up the special place we call home. It is our responsibility to keep Singapore, our home, clean.