GAUTENG ACTS ON RODENT PROBLEM

Issued by Gauteng Provincial Government Department of Health

6 July 2001

The Gauteng Health department acknowledges that there is a rodent problem in some of our institutions. This problem is linked to the surrounding veld that are poorly maintained aggravated by the winter season. However, there are regular pest control services in our hospitals.

In addition to the existing pest control measures, the Department is adopting a more aggressive approach to addressing this problem in the form of a comprehensive provincial pest control strategy. This involves, amongst other things:

• Engagement of external pest control expertise to offer advice.
• Negotiation with local government about maintenance of the veld surrounding our institutions
• Investigate the possibilities of building solid walls where they do not exist to replace wire fencing. This will prevent rodents from entering facility grounds from surrounding veld.
• Education of the public and vendors around our institutions' premises about hygiene
• Implement the measures suggested by experts and ensure continuous monitoring.
• The Central office is facilitating the establishment of a task team at the regional level to monitor and maintain the situation in our health facilities. This task team will consist of managers, provincial and local government environmental health offrs, vendor representatives and external experts. The external experts will be expected to transfer their skills to this team.
• The recent established accreditation committee will evaluate hygiene standards or regular basis amongst other things.

This strategy clearly demonstrates the commitment of Gauteng Health Department to fighting pests in our institutions so that we ensure full control of such environmental problems in future.

For more information please contact Popo Maja at 082-373-1169.