Fresh from their battle with the rats of Alexandra, City health officials are in Orlando East this week, cleaning up the environment.
THE City has taken its war on rats to Soweto in a week-long health campaign called Impi yamagundwane, which means rodents eradication.
MMC Nonceba Molwele (Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)MMC Nonceba Molwele (Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)The eradication programme is part of a 90-day campaign that started in Alexandra two weeks back. Health officials descended on Orlando East today to rid the township of unwelcome rats, which have wreaked havoc.
It will run until 19 August in the township. Other areas that will be targeted during the 90-day campaign are Orange Farm and Ivory Park.
Over the week, about 80 pest control operators and environmental health practitioners armed with carbon monoxide machines and pesticides are targeting hotspots that were identified by the City’s environmental health department during a survey of Orlando East.
They pump carbon monoxide into the rats’ burrows in an attempt to flush out the rodents, which hide underground during the day.
Nonceba Molwele, the member of the mayoral committee for health and human development, said community meetings were being held to mobilise support for the clean-up campaign and to teach people how to eliminate rodents.
“The City cannot do it alone. We need a stronger partnership with the communities to stop illegal dumping and littering. People must take responsibility for their refuse,” said Molwele.
Illegal dumping and the improper disposal of food and waste material were the primary causes of rodent infestation, she explained. “The litter attracts rats and provides them with a comfortable environment to nest and continue to breed.”
City health officials flush out rats in AlexCity health officials flush out rats in AlexEarlier this month, the City fumigated the breeding grounds of rats and other rodents in Alexandra, where the public health and clean-up campaign started.
“The City is confident that we can beat the rats through our prevention and clean-up operations. But we need the participation and support of all residents to look after their own environment,” said Molwele.
A number of practical steps can be taken by residents:
Household waste should be wrapped in plastic bags and placed in the waste containers provided by Pikitup. The dustbins must be kept closed.
Dirty dishwater containing scraps of food must not be poured into catch pits or in open spaces.
Open spaces, vacant land and parks should be kept clean from rubble, which provides a fertile environment for rats.
Poison bait can be used to control the rodent population. The use of bait-dispensers is strongly recommended as these prevent accidental ingestion of the poison by domestic animals.
Report to the City’s health department or regional offices any public health nuisance that might contribute to rodent infestation.
Related stories:
Dump sites fumigated for rats
Rats are in the City’s cross hairs
Clean-up targets Alex rats
Pests targeted in clean-up
Big broom sweeps Soweto clean
