Is Venterspos becoming a snake pit?

There is a growing concern among residents that Venterspos is becoming a breeding ground for snakes.

Last week, resident Lisa-Marie Moolman wrote a letter begging the mayor to cut the tall grass in the area.

Another resident, Lesego Masima, recently found a Puff Adder on her porch. Masima added that they reside next to an open veld with overgrown grass. When the grass catches fire, the snakes make use of Masima’s property as a haven.

Masima further expressed her concerns about the children who use the veld to walk to school. She fears that the matter might only be taken seriously when it is too late.

“We live in a forgotten area where we are being forsaken. Our voices are not being heard. If the grass was as well maintained in Venterpos as it is in town, we would not be facing these challenges,” Masima claimed.

• Also read: LETTER: Help Mr Mayor, there are snakes on our stoep!

Moolman added that she has seen multiple snakes, with the most recent sighting being only a few days ago.

“Many people called us to come and remove the snakes from their properties. The only solution would be to cut and maintain the grass,” Moolman concluded.

Fortunately for Moolman and Masima, the municipality has heeded the call and launched a programme to cut the grass.

Rand West City Local Municipality spokesperson Phillip Montshiwa confirmed the increase of snakes in residential areas. According to Montshiwa, this is due to heavy rains resulting in tall grass for snakes to harbour in.

Montshiwa emphasised that the cutting of grass at major intersections has commenced. He added that municipal workers started cutting the grass in Venterspost on March 13 and will be undertaken intermittently until March 31.

Montshiwa offered advice to the residents who are confronted with snakes:

• Refrain from dumping waste indiscriminately, as this attracts rodents which in turn attracts snakes
• Keep yards neat
• Use snake-repellent chemicals
• Close windows and doors at night, as most snakes are nocturnal
• Be on the lookout for snakes before sitting under trees or shady areas when it is hot
• Clear bushes, tall grass and weeds next to the premises