Metro seeks mosquito infestation solution in Winterveldt
“A long-term solution will require an integrated intervention from various departments,” says health MMC Rina Marx.
Tshwane metro and stakeholders are seeking a long-term solution to Winterveldt’s mosquito infestation, its health department announced on Friday, June 23.
Recently, Winterveldt residents complained about the infestation in wards 9 and 24.
Health MMC Rina Marx said to fulfil their commitment to finding a solution to the infestation, she and the councillor of ward 24, regional 1 head, undertook an oversight visit to the area on June 22. They were joined by health department staff, water and sanitation, section 79 health committee and nature conservation within the environment and agriculture management, as well as community representatives.
They found that the causal factors of the infestation are:
The area is a natural wetland with a high-water table.
Illegal dumping of waste creates a conducive environment for the breeding of mosquitoes.
Unresolved water leakages at the nearby reservoir contribute to water seepage and stagnant water pools.
Leakages from water pipes and illegal water connections contribute to water pools.
Uncontrolled burning of grass destroys habitats and displaces natural predators of mosquitoes, such as frogs.
Marx welcomed the commitment by the city’s environment and agriculture management to assist with environmental education to the communities, mainly because wetland management calls for little disruption of the natural habitat.
“At this stage, I want to assure communities that the mosquitoes are not disease- or malaria-carrying but do cause irritation,” she added.
She said with the given scope of the identified causal factors, it is evident that a long-term solution will require an integrated intervention from various departments, and the health department will continue to assist communities in addressing the challenge within the scope of its mandate.
Metro addresses mosquito infestation in Winterveldt
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