Municipality extends Rodent Control Strategy
A total of three to four volunteers will be deployed to all 101 wards within Ekurhuleni.
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) is determined to minimise rodent infestation.
In 2010, the rat infestation rate in Ekurhuleni was estimated to be at 85 percent, a statistic which has since dropped to 45 percent.
In order to encourage a further reduction, the EMM assembled 400 volunteers on April 23. These volunteers will represent the Rodent Control Community Programme.
The programme is an extension of the EMM’s Integrated Rodent Control Strategy, which has led to the decline of the rodent population in Ekurhuleni in recent years.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health in Ekurhuleni, Clr Makhosazana Twala said, “In 2012 we began with an interdepartmental approach, whereby various role players such as waste management services, human settlements, water services and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) teamed up with environmental health to tackle the elements which create a conducive environment for rodents to survive.”
“Instead of embarking on once-off roadshows to drive awareness, we are now getting community members directly involved to ensure sustainable success,” said Clr Twala.
A total of three to four volunteers will be deployed to all 101 wards within Ekurhuleni. The volunteers will be tasked with conducting community visits, assessing and educating households with regards to their rodent control problems.
“The volunteers will also work hand-in-hand with our environmental health practitioners by conducting research, education, identifying and reporting contributing factors such as illegal dumping,” said Clr Twala. @BedfordEdenvale
