High-rise mist sprinklers a waste of money

I refer to the letter, “Mist sprinklers on high-rises can alleviate haze” (Oct 2). Installing sprinklers to alleviate the haze would not work, as the atmosphere gets equalised continually.

The moment the sprinklers are stopped, the constant draft would bring back the same level of haze almost instantaneously.

We have experienced heavy downpours a few times during the haze, but these provided relief only for as long as they lasted. In fact, the low pressure may cause a momentary spike in the Pollutant Standards Index.

Like an air purifier, such a system works ideally in an enclosed area, where there is only so much air to clean. In the open, it is going to be a waste of money.

We already have practical, targeted solutions initiated by the Health Ministry and the People’s Association to help the masses cope with the haze.

Besides mask distributions, air-conditioned rooms in Residents’ Committees and Community Clubs are open to the public to provide respite for residents. I applaud our leaders’ response. They are already walking the talk of being “with you, for you, for Singapore”.

More could be done. If the haze persists, building temporary air-conditioned shelters across Singapore may be a solution. The Government and the private sector could undertake this jointly.

Nipping the problem in the bud is the only way to solve the haze problem. I am confident that with the cross-border legislation — and with Indonesia’s cooperation — we should be able to see light at the end of the tunnel.