Why Alexandra is plagued by rats, resident explains

By Mark Ogagan

Residents in Alexandra township are overwhelmed by gigantic rats in the area, saying they were biting children, nibbling at their food, and damaging electric cables.

The City of Johannesburg subsequently came up with an initiative that led to over 5,000 rats being disposed of in the township.

The Integrated Rodent Control project is aimed at eradicating the rat infestation that, for years, plagued the north of Johannesburg township.

Long-time Alexandra resident, Xolani Mkhize, said that there was a severe shortage of wastebins in the township, exacerbating the infestation problem.

“I can say, us residents, we feed them to be big because we throw rubbish everywhere and even now at daylight they are hiding. If you can come at night, you will see how big they are. They are not scared of people – they come to them straight.”

Mkhize said Alexandra residents were forced to live with rats for years.

“There were white rats, black and white rats, and pink rats. Pink rats were dangerous, they were killing people here, were eating people and kids.”