Ekurhuleni’s rodent population declines
In the year 2010 the rat infestation rate in the City of Ekurhuleni was estimated to be at 85 per cent.
This rate has dropped to 45 per cent and the City is determined to minimise the scourge of rodent infestation even more.
This will be achieved through the introduction of 400 volunteers that will represent the Rodent Control Community Programme.
The programme, which recently kicked off in Tembisa, is an extension of the City’s Integrated Rodent Control Strategy which has led to the decline of the rodent population in Ekurhuleni thus far.
“In 2012 we began with an interdepartmental approach, whereby various role players such as waste management services, human settlements, water services and the EMPD teamed up with environmental health to tackle the elements which create a conducive environment for rodents to survive,” said Member of Mayoral Committee for Health in Ekurhuleni, Clr Makhosazana Twala.
“Instead of embarking on once-off roadshows to drive awareness, we are now getting community members directly involved to ensure sustainable success.”
A total of three to four volunteers will be deployed to all 101 wards within the City, and they will be tasked with conducting door-to-door visits, assessing and educating households with regards to their rodent control problems.
“They will work hand in hand with our environmental health practitioners by conducting research, by-law education, identifying and reporting contributing factors such as illegal dumping,” said Twala.
She added that the City will be testing the project in the next 12 months, but is, however, confident that it will contribute positively towards eradicating rodents in Ekurhuleni.
