Municipality takes action to curb snake invasion

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

Recently, 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.

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

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.

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.

• Also read: Is Venterspos becoming a snake pit?

The soccer coach of Venties Two for Joy, Tsebo Tladi, emphasised his concern about the growing population of snakes in the area. According to him, on March 14 one of the children in the soccer club found a snake in the field where the club exercises.

“We arrived on the field in the evening. The children started exercising. One of the boys kicked the ball into the tall grass. As the boy managed to retrieve the ball, he saw the snake. He then screamed and notified us,” Tladi said.

He explained that they managed to kill the snake with rocks. Tladi expressed that he is concerned about the children playing in the area since he is a father as well.

“If an adult is bitten by a snake, their immune system might fight against the poison. However, if a child gets bit, their chances of surviving are much lower,” Tladi stated.

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

Rand West City Local Municipality spokesperson Phillip Montshiwa first 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 Venterspos on March 13 and will be undertaken intermittently until March 31. Recently, the Herald noticed Rand West City Local Municipality municipal workers cutting the grass on Carleton Street and approached them.

“We have started cutting the grass in certain areas. We are a group of female machine operators working for the municipality,” Linkie Tau said.

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