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Rodent Problem in the Historic Center Causes Discomfort, Losses to Commerce, and Mobilizes Actions from the Municipal Health Department and Residents Demanding Urgent Solutions from the Local Government
The scene has become almost daily for those moving around large urban centers. In Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, this reality has taken on even more alarming contours. In the Historic Center of the capital, the presence of rats in public and commercial spaces has been causing discomfort, insecurity, and indignation among residents, workers, and visitors to the area.
Rats Occupy Symbolic Area of the Capital
According to GZH Hora, last month, rodents began to be spotted in Praça da Matriz, one of the most traditional points in the city.
The municipality reported that it conducted an action to eliminate the animals, but neighbors and users of the space claim that the situation remains practically the same.
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On the last Wednesday (January 14), the team from the Rodent and Vector Surveillance Center (NVRV), of the Municipal Health Department (SMS), stated that it conducted a “technical inspection” in the square.
The action included the application of powdered rodenticide in seven manholes around the area, in an attempt to contain the infestation.
Residents Report Constant Discomfort
Even after the municipality’s intervention, visitors to the square continue to report the presence of the animals.
In an interview with GZH Hora, residents stated that the rats continue to roam freely in the space.
Teacher Juliana Carvalho, 35, who usually strolls in the square with her daughter, described an additional problem: the strong smell of urine.
According to her, besides the fear, the constant odor makes staying in the area even more unpleasant, especially for families with children.
Commerce Also Suffers Consequences
The impact of the situation has already reached the commerce in the region. A shopkeeper, who preferred not to be identified, told GZH Hora that he had to close the store last Thursday (January 15) after a rat entered the establishment.
He vented about the inconvenience and questioned the fact that he pays taxes while facing a problem he considers the responsibility of the public authority.
The municipal health secretary, Fernando Ritter, stated that the municipality apologizes for the incident and will continue to monitor the entire city to reduce the problem.
Praça da Matriz is a space for socializing, tourist circulation, and cultural activities, which emphasizes the importance of continuous actions and frequent oversight to prevent new episodes from occurring in the region.
With information from Diário do Comércio.
Muito preocupante a expansão desses roedores pois proliferam doenças.