Centar launches extraordinary deratization after residents report rats
Operation today and tomorrow targets neighbourhoods where citizens reported increased rodent activity.
Skopje's Centar Municipality has launched an extraordinary deratization campaign after residents and social media users shared videos showing rodents on streets in several neighbourhoods. Locals say the problem has grown noticeable and are urging authorities to act quickly.
Residents interviewed in the affected areas described unease and called for stronger sanitation measures. One said, "I personally haven't noticed them, but I know they exist. It's an unpleasant, worrying matter. I think there should be more disinfection in the basements." Another resident added, "I don't know—perhaps they are being brought from somewhere in packages? I personally killed seven rats...." A third commented, "I don't know when this will be demolished, but I think only after that will it be cleared up."
Centar: deratization today and tomorrow
Centar Municipality announced that it is carrying out a new extraordinary deratization operation today and tomorrow at several critical locations within its territory. "Centar Municipality is carrying out a new extraordinary deratization today and tomorrow at several critical locations within the municipality. The action covers Bunjakovec, Kapishtec, Gradski zid, locations where an increased presence of rodents has been observed and there have been citizen reports," the municipality said.
The City of Skopje has urged all municipalities to perform deratization on their own territories. City officials pointed to Article 15 of the city's law, noting that "According to the Law of the City of Skopje, Article 15, which defines the competencies of the municipalities in the city, it is stated that deratization and disinfection are the municipalities' responsibility, and thus they are responsible for carrying out activities to prevent the appearance of rodents."
Several municipalities contacted by reporters said they conduct deratization twice a year. The spring round has already been completed, while the autumn campaign is scheduled to take place in about two weeks. Authorities meanwhile appeal to residents not to dispose of waste in inappropriate places to reduce food sources for rodents.
Photo: press material from the event
