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The Democratic Alliance (DA) received numerous complaints over the past year regarding the presence of rats and mice in businesses and homes within Kestell and Thlolong. The infestation is attributed to the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality's lack of proper refuseremoval, illegal dumping, and overgrown areas that are not being cleaned. Despite several engagements with the MaP, no response has been forthcoming, and the issue persists.

Illegal dumping is a common occurrence in Kestell, with no official dumping or refuse transition sites available. The continuous illegal dumping, combined with open spaces that are not being maintained through grass cutting and refuse removal, has accelerated the problem. The presence of vermin, such as rats as big as squirrels, has led to serious concerns among residents. One resident even reported finding a significant quantity of dead rats in their garden after putting out poison, while another reported rats gnawing off electrical wiring from their vehicle.

Residents are also concerned about the presence of snakes due to the infestation. The more concerning effect of the presence of rats and mice is the damage to private property and municipal infrastructure.

These rodents tend to gnaw on electrical wires, which can lead to electrical fires. Furthermore, rodents carry diseases and spread fleas. Rodent-borne diseases such as leptospirosis, Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and rat-bite fever are spread by rodent fur, urine, and faeces in food products. Rodent allergens may also cause asthma in children.

The DA remains committed to ensuring a safe environment for all residents of Kestell and Thlolong. The party will continue to engage the municipality, as well as the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality, on the issue and how it will be managed. The party will report back to the community on steps to be taken to intervene in this crisis.

We urge the municipality to take immediate action to address the illegal dumping and overgrown areas, which will go a long way towards reducing the rat and mice infestations. The DA will not rest until the safety of our residents is assured.

Issued by Bea Campbell-Cloete - DA Councillor Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality