SWAT: The residents have complained about the growing number of rodents, especially rats, in Mingora bazaar and demanded of the authorities to ensure their early elimination.

They said the bazaar was infested with rodents, which destroyed food and other things, and could spread diseases.

Abdullah told Dawn that the Mingora bazaar had witnessed a considerable increase in the population of rodents over a period of time and they appeared on the streets in large numbers terrifying people. He claimed that some residents were the size of cats.

Akbar Ali of Watkey area also complained about rat infestation in the area and said the rodents not only nibbled away at food but also damaged kitchen doors and automobile and electrical wiring.

Amjad Ali said the rodents infested the area between Nishat Chowk to Sohrab Khan Chowk, which had major bakeries of Mingora city.

The residents urged the Water and Sanitation Services Company and tehsil municipal administration to free Mingora bazaar from rodents.

When contacted, WSSC manager (operations) Mian Shahid Ali said special teams had been formed to eliminate rodents.

“We are not only using poison to kill rats but have also made big traps to catch them for elimination. Our exercise will continue until the issue is resolved,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2021