A mosquito infestation in Klein Begin is linked to a nearby retention dam, according to the City of Cape Town.
The problem was mentioned at a sub-council meeting last month.
However, residents say they’re not only battling mosquitoes but also infestations of rats and flies, and they believe a dirty pit on 2nd Avenue and an unoccupied house, where garbage and scrap have been dumped, are to blame.
When the Northern News visited the community, flies were buzzing on the garbage in 2nd Avenue and the whine of mosquitoes could be heard at Alledon Nieuwenhoudt’s house.
“There has always been a lot of mosquitoes on this street. It’s a day and night thing, but more so at night,” he said.
“It’s been like this since I moved here 15 years ago. I’m from the North West and we never experienced anything like this there.
“We also have an issue with rats here.”
He has armed himself with two electric swatters to battle the bugs.
Thomas Cassels, who lives near the pit, said the mosquito problem had worsened since October.
“I think it’s all these dirty things lying around this street. The yard next to me attracts the rats to this street. Homeless people who scratch in the bins before they are picked up by the City, leave food and dirt lying around. So this is bound to happen,” Mr Cassels said.
“The biggest problem is the mosquitoes,” he said, pointing to one floating by.
Zahid Badroodien, mayoral committee member for community services and health, said a City investigation had traced the mosquito infestation to the retention dam between Kraaifontein and Wallacedene. However, no mosquito larvae could be found.
Dr Badroodien said Sub-council 2 had referred complaints to the Kraaifontein environmental health office. Complainants should leave their contact details and addresses.
“These complaints will be investigated, with the view to find possible habitats where mosquitoes might breed,” he said.
Cape Town mosquitoes did not carry disease, but they could be a “terrible nuisance” and cause allergic skin reactions in those they stung, he said.
“It is therefore important to control mosquito breeding,” he said.