Table 1 Synopsis of the feedback gathered during the community collaborative meeting and mapping session.
Theme | Feedback from the majority of community members | Feedback from the minority of community members |
|---|---|---|
Factors capable of influencing rodent proliferation | Disposal of food (leftover) in open spaces Irregular garbage collection Disposal of garbage in open bins Lack of accessible dumpsters Household ownership problems Non-collection of bulk waste Lack of funds for proper self-waste disposal | Poor enforcement of environmental laws Erosion of personal pride Overcrowding Language barriers among some residents Overreliance on government for cleanup exercises |
Suggested solutions | Install dumpsters in strategic locations accessible to the residents Removal of bulk waste e.g. derelict vehicles by the DEHS Install signage stating “no dumping on vacant properties” Implement additional community initiatives focused on educating and empowering the community and children using diverse languages e.g. use media as a strategic tool to raise awareness about rodent control efforts in the community Owning cats | Enforce effective property management, mandating property owners and residents to ensure adequate cleanliness Establish partnership with Community-Based Organisations, Churches and Schools to organise cleanup campaigns and promote sanitation awareness within the community Tree planting |
Collaborative mapping of rodent-related issues at the area level | Areas 1 & 6—ownership problem & haphazard waste disposal Area 2—decent area with a moderately satisfactory waste disposal Area 3—derelict vehicles & haphazard waste disposal Area 4—presence of garbage; derelict vehicles and abandoned properties (houses) Area 5—some garbage Area 7—informal community & abundance of undocumented car garages |
