THE Vector Control Unit of Zoomlion Ghana Limited (ZGL) in Tamale has embarked on an intensive exercise to rid the Aboabu, Central and other markets in the Tamale Metropolis of rodents.
The measure is aimed at ensuring a clean and healthy environment at the various markets in the Metropolis.
The Communications Officer of the ZGL, responsible for the three northern regions, Mr Francis Abirigo, told the Daily Graphic that his outfit decided to carry out such “an aggressive exercise because rodents do not only inconvenience human beings but also pose a health hazard to people as they poison food and destroy property”.
Mr Abirigo said densely populated areas in the Metropolis and the region have been identified for the exercise.
He mentioned the Salaga Central Market, Yendi and Savelugu as other places earmarked for the exercise.
He underscored the need for individuals, especially market women, to avoid leaving their food uncovered in order not to be contaminated by the rodents.
He said the team also embarked on educational campaigns to make the company’s operations and their benefits to the communities known to residents.
The Northern Regional Vector Control Officer, Mr Zakaria Abdul-Rashid, said after the sensitisation exercise, the team carried out pre-baiting, where pieces of bread were kept at vantage points in the selected markets.
He explained that the team went to the markets the following morning to ascertain whether the rodents have picked the pieces of bread.
According to him, if the rodents picked the bread, then by evening, a chemical called “storm” was put into the pieces of bread.
According to the Officer, the team finalises its work by going round the market to check on the results the third day.
Mr Rashid said the chemical, unlike other chemicals that kill rodents inside shops and holes, make the rodents feel warm and then come out to look for fresh air and die subsequently.
He said another team was spraying all toilet facilities and drains to stop the breeding of mosquitoes and other vectors.
A market woman, Madam Rakia Abdulai, on behalf of her colleagues said since the exercise was carried out, they had not seen any sign of rodents in the area.
She therefore appealed to the company to sustain the exercise for the benefit of traders in the various markets in Northern Ghana.
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