The Regional Self-Governing Organisations (EOAs), within the framework of their responsibilities and taking into account the needs and characteristics of each district, implement rodent and insect-control programmes in wastewater sewerage systems where necessary.
The work includes spraying and baiting operations, depending on local requirements, and is carried out by specially trained personnel.
According to Constantinos Ioannou, Minister of the Interior, responding to a parliamentary question by MP Eirini Charalambidou, the frequency, scope, implementation methods and costs of these programmes vary among EOAs depending on local conditions and operational needs.
Limassol spends €200,000 annually
As an example, the Limassol EOA carries out rodent and insect-control programmes in the wastewater sewerage network twice a year.
The programme includes spraying operations and the placement of bait stations, at an annual cost of approximately €200,000.
Inspections of manholes and sewer pipelines for rodent-control purposes are incorporated into this twice-yearly programme.
Nicosia monitors 4,000 manholes
The Nicosia EOA, which is responsible for maintaining the sewerage network extending across both the government-controlled and occupied parts of Nicosia, maintains a registry of approximately 4,000 inspection chambers.
Systematic inspections are carried out at these locations to monitor and address rodent activity.
The findings determine how frequently monitoring visits and trap inspections are conducted.
"Similar monitoring, inspection and rodent-control practices are applied, proportionately and according to the specific characteristics and needs of each network, by the other EOAs as well," Ioannou stated.
Monitoring is carried out through inspections at selected points of the sewerage network and in various areas across each district, with the aim of assessing rodent activity and planning appropriate control measures.
Staff involved in these operations receive specialised training designed to prevent exposure to hazardous factors and reduce the risk of transmitting dangerous diseases.
Stormwater networks treated differently
According to the Interior Minister, the management of rodent droppings and urine discovered during maintenance works is handled differently depending on the type of network involved.
The spraying and rodent-control operations conducted by EOAs apply exclusively to the public wastewater sewerage system and are not carried out within stormwater drainage networks, where different procedures are followed.
"In stormwater networks, where cleaning of pipelines, culverts, manholes or other facilities is required, the materials produced during the cleaning process are vacuumed using appropriate tanker vehicles and transported to licensed facilities for proper treatment and disposal," Ioannou said.
He added that all operations are carried out in accordance with required health and safety standards and with the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
