Comprehensive Rodent Control Programme To Be Implemented In Portland

The Portland Health Department says that a comprehensive rodent control programme will be shared with stakeholders in the parish shortly, to preserve the health and safety of residents and visitors.

Speaking recently at the monthly meeting of the Portland Health Department, Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Sharon Lewis, said that complaints have been received of rodent infestation in the town of Port Antonio, as well as other communities across the parish.

She said that in 2024, the Health Department, in collaboration with the Municipal Corporation, implemented a small rodent control programme in Port Antonio, which achieved some success.

“But due to the continued solid waste issues, the situation has worsened,” Dr. Lewis pointed out.

“Some citizens are indiscriminately disposing of food and other waste and the solid waste collection and temporary storage sites or receptacles in several communities across the parish are often filled and overflowing with the waste not being properly containerized for extended periods,” she explained.

The Medical Officer further stated that while the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NWSMA) trucks are observed collecting the solid waste on a regular basis, “the receptacles are being filled faster than they can be cleared”.

“This situation will, therefore, need to be assessed, so that the appropriate measures can be taken to preserve the health and safety of the public. The health department continues to dialogue with the relevant agencies to improve the management of solid waste across the parish and particularly in Port Antonio, to help minimise the breeding of rodents,” Dr. Lewis said.

“We also had dialogue with other entities regarding the implementation of a comprehensive rodent control programme. We are currently revising the proposal for this comprehensive programme and when it is submitted we look forward for the support of all the relevant stakeholders, such as public agencies and departments, private entities, businesses, the Portland Municipal Corporation, Members of Parliament, citizens and visitors of Portland, for the implementation of the programme,” she added.

Dr. Lewis said, further, that adequate budgetary support is being anticipated from the stakeholders.

“We want our beautiful parish to be a safe place to live, work and vacation in, and for the aesthetics to be kept at a high standard,” the Medical Officer emphasised.