Cape Town infested with rats, who's cleaning up?

Lester Kiewit speaks to Bettie Leedo from the City of Cape Town’s Environmental Health Department about Cape Town's rat problem.

Capetonians might not be shocked to see rats the size of adult cats crossing the streets or peaking out of drains lately - apparently, areas in Cape Town are infested with rats, says Leedo.

Claremont is an area under rat infested scrutiny as a neglected plot along Belvedere Road has left residents worried about the increasing number of rats in the area.

However, the specific plot in question cannot be blamed for this infestation, "it's probably more than one particular plot," says Leedo. 

"Having a look at the specifics of the case, it's premature to blame this particular plot. It's in close proximity to a small commercial hub - there are a number of activities associated with increased rodent control or the need for increased rodent control in the vicinity." 

- Bettie Leedo, Environmental Health Department - CoCT

"One plot can be a problem if there's large amounts of waste, harborage, access to water and places where rats feel safe to start their breeding cycle but to the extent that we understand that person's have been experiencing rodent problems - it's probably more than one particular plot."

- Bettie Leedo, Environmental Health Department - CoCT

The City has put measures in place to ensure that the rat infestation in the entire Claremont area is being worked on...

"We only became aware of the rodent issue during the course of last week when we got the first media inquiry around the premises. Subsequent to that, we have conducted bait-blocking of a significant section of that particular suburb and not just around the open plot."

- Bettie Leedo, Environmental Health Department - CoCT

Leedo says the number of rats will continue to increase as they breed quickly which means Cape Town's rat problem will get worse if it's not addressed. 

Ultimately, who is responsible for rat infested clean-ups? 

Leedo says, it's a "dual responsibility" between land owners and The City of Cape Town, depending on the location of the rat infestation.

"It's actually a dual-responsibility, the land owner or business owner has a legal responsibility to manage rodents on their premises. If rodents are in public spaces; in streets and informal areas then the City will come and conduct bait blocking there. We also give a very comprehensive health education program to persons around what factors need to be addressed to avoid rodent activity and pest-free methods that can be used."

- Bettie Leedo, Environmental Health Department - CoCT