In 2010 the rat infestation rate in the metro was estimated to be at 85 per cent.
Since then the rate has dropped to 45 per cent and the metro is determined to minimise the scourge of rodent infestation even more.
The metro hopes to achieve this through the introduction of 400 volunteers who will represent the rodent control community programme.
The programme, which kicked off in Tembisa on Wednesday, is an extension of the metro’s integrated rodent control strategy which has led to the decline of the rodent population.
“In 2012 we began with an interdepartmental approach, whereby various role players such as waste management services, human settlements, water services and the EMPD teamed up with environmental health to tackle the elements which create an environment where rodents can survive.
“Instead of embarking on once-off roadshows to drive awareness, we are now getting community members directly involved to ensure sustainable success,” said member of mayoral committee for health in the metro, Clr Makhosazana Twala.
Three to four volunteers will be deployed to all 101 wards within the metro, and they will be tasked with conducting door-to-door visits, assessing and educating households with regards to their rodent control problems.
“They will work hand in hand with our environmental health practitioners by conducting research, by-law education, identifying and reporting contributing factors such as illegal dumping,” added Twala.
She added that the metro will be testing the project in the next 12 months.
She, however, is confident that it will contribute positively towards eradicating rodents in the metro.
