Rodent control programme for 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. 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," 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 containerised for extended periods," she explained.

Lewis added that while the National Solid Waste Management Authority trucks are observed collecting the solid waste on a regular basis, "the receptacles are being filled faster than they can be cleared".

"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," Lewis said.