the public places, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Health Services, information as to…
(No. B/635) Mr L. Caserne (Third Member for Port-Louis North & Montagne Longue) asked the Minister of Health and Wellness whether, in regard to the public places, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Health Services, information as to whether rat infestation has been observed thereat and, if so, indicate if urgent remedial measures will be taken in relation thereto, including if consideration will be given for the contracting out of the services to private rodent control service providers.
Reply: The issue regarding rat infestation in public places falls under the purview of other national agencies such as the Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change. These Ministries make their own arrangements for rodent control through the appointment of specialised private service providers. However, the Rodent Control Unit (RCU) of my Ministry performs regular rodent control activities in all public health institutions, namely all Government Hospitals, Mediclinics, Area Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Medical Stores, Vagrant Depot and various offices of my Ministry, as well as, other Government institutions, such as, the Prime Minister’s Office in case of any complaints received. The Unit also carries out interventions on private premises where Leptospirosis cases have been notified. From 2019 to May 2025 – (i) the RCU has conducted 54,325 visits;
145 (ii) 25,411 rats have been caught and killed, and (iii) 45,150 sensitisation programmes on rodent control for the public have been carried out by the Unit. RODRIGUES – NEW SPORTS BILL – COMITÉ RÉGIONAL OLYMPIQUE ET SPORTIF