PESHAWAR: The city administration has killed almost 1,100 giant rats in the past six days, ever since the start of an 'operation' to rid the city of the mammal that has caused grave problems for citizens in recent times.
Zonal in-charge of Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP), Salahuddin, said the operation against the 'giant rats' continues in different areas of Peshawar, adding that at least 1,100 rats have been killed thus far.
The 'operations' were carried out in Qisakhwani, Namak Mandi, Bashirabad, Kohati, Bacha Khan colony and other areas of the provincial capital.
Peshawar's district government had earlier announced a special drive, fixing a Rs25 bounty for killing a rat.
Salahuddin claimed that a WSSP team comprising 10 members was sent to each area for the purpose.
“They are placing rat poison, mixed in 500 bread pieces and 50 kilograms of tomato, in different areas. By the next morning they go to collect the dead bodies.”
He praised the efficiency of the team, saying the dead bodies were also being dumped “properly.”
When asked about the distribution of 'head money' announced on killing the rats, he said the administration was receiving claims but so far not a single rupee had been distributed.
Related: No mechanism to control rat population in Peshawar
The city district government initiated the rat killing campaign in the city Friday night.
The problem rose to limelight after a minor child died of wounds inflicted by rat bites last month.
The matter has also been raised in the provincial assembly and the Peshawar High Court is also hearing a case on rat infestation in the city.
