For the first time, we can say we’re happy that Opennet isn’t rushing to wire up more homes and offices in Singapore with fibre optic cables. And we’re sure Singapore’s Internet users looking for faster speeds will be patient as well.
Today, the national fibre contractor said it was suspending the installation and repair of fibre connections because of the worsening haze.
It ordered the work to stop “until further notice” to safeguard the health of workers hired by its sub-contractor this afternoon, after PSI levels topped 400 around 12pm, the highest recorded in Singapore.
Existing appointments to wire up premises will be re-scheduled, according to a statement from Opennet.
“The situation will be reassessed regularly to determine appropriate safety measures to ensure workers are offered some relief from the smog upon resumption of work,” said business development and communications director Daniel Ho.
The company, owned by Axia NetMedia, SingTel, Singapore Press Holdings and Singapore Power Telecommunications, is among a small but growing group of employers to have asked workers to either work from home or stop work in the open.
Despite the air quality being described as “hazardous” or very “unhealthy” in the past two days, many workers involved in installation and construction works still laboured in the open.
The manpower authorities have advised employers to issue masks for those exposed to the elements, but do not seem to have ordered any company to suspend work. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday told reporters there was no “single point” where a stop-work order would be put out.
