Pests and rodents infest homes due to uncollected refuse
'It's not only a health hazard for the residents, but for the learners too.'
Since December last year, various homes on Hendrik Boom Street have become infested with pests and rodents.
According to Hendrik Boom resident Elsa Kirchner, they have had trouble with flies, mice and rats owing to refuse at Culembeeck Primary School not being collected for a few weeks.
“When they dispose of grass cuttings in the already overflowing bin, it rots. This not only worsens the stench each time it rains, but it also attracts more pests and rodents,” she explained.
“I have had at least five rats in the house, and it’s all because of the rotting rubbish. My neighbours are complaining about the same issue. The mice even got into my piano, which means it has to be tuned again, which is very expensive.”
Elsa went on to say that when the wind blows, the road and their yards are littered with paper, plastic bottles and snack packets, among other things. Even though the refuse was removed during the week of February 7 to 11 , the residents are still concerned as to why it had taken so long for Pikitup to do so.
“Why haven’t they cleaned up for about two months? We want to ensure it doesn’t happen again. It’s not only a health hazard for the residents, but for the learners too. It cannot get this bad again.” she said.
The Department of Education and Pikitup have been contacted for comment on the matter, but the Record hasn’t received any feedback as of yet.
