Metro tackles mosquito infestation in Sosh, residents plead for illegal dumping to stop

The metro has started with a phased intervention to eradicate the mosquito infestation in Winterveldt and Soshanguve in the north of Pretoria.

This comes after the metro made commitments last year following several site visits and stakeholder engagements led by MMC for Health Rina Marx.

Winterveldt residents had complained about mosquito infestations in wards 9 and 24.

Marx said the infestations have negatively affected the quality of life for residents living in these areas.

Elias Tladi said he wasn’t aware of the mosquito infestation but wondered why there were so many mosquitos in winter.

“I know mosquitos invade our space in summer but now there’s no difference with them.

“We spend so much money buying those chemicals such as Doom to kill them, but nothing is working,” said Tladi.

He said people must stop littering everywhere.

“Our area is a wetland and imagine the wetland combined with the dirt of people who are irresponsible and tell me what will happen.

“People say this thing is not harmful to us but we can’t just fold our arms and do nothing, let’s not litter everywhere,” urged Tladi.

Phindi Molepo said illegal dumping also contributes to this infestation.

“We all know that mosquitos love a wet area and now people dump dirty water and rubbish anywhere they like.

“It’s concerning because we don’t know the kind of diseases insects bring to us, the municipality must do everything to keep this place clean and fresh,” said Molepo.

The first phase to eradicate the infestation involves the drone application of larvicide in Soshanguve bordering the Tswaing Crater, where large pools of stagnant water were observed.

Marx said mosquito larvae are often found in stagnant water.

“This larvicide is not harmful to humans or animals and was dispensed by an accredited company.

“Phases two and three will commence in the new financial year, with priority given to spraying the wetlands and stagnant waterlogged areas.”

Marx mentioned that Soshanguve and Winterveldt are in part natural wetlands, with a high water table which makes them a conducive environment for mosquitos to thrive.

“Larvicide application is not the only solution to eradicate mosquitos.

“We reaffirm the importance of natural mosquito predators, such as frogs, as well as the importance of introducing natural vegetation that repels mosquitoes, such as lavender,” said the MMC.

Tshwane urged communities to avoid illegally dumping waste, as this also creates a breeding ground for mosquitos.

Marx said the department would continue to assist the communities of Winterveldt and Soshanguve to find some respite from the mosquito infestation when summer approaches.

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