MORE than 1,200 bait stations have been deployed across Westmoreland under the parish’s expanded rodent control programme. This initiative aims to improve environmental sanitation and safeguard public health.

Chief Public Health Inspector for Westmoreland Steve Morris, reported that 1,234 bait stations have been placed in targeted communities. The initiative forms part of broader mitigation efforts against rodents undertaken since the start of the year.

“The programme will continue with re-baiting of the areas, as well as expanding into other communities that have rat sightings while we still have bait and bait stations. This will also include our health centres and the hospital,” he stated.

Morris was addressing the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting held recently in Savanna-la-Mar.

He said the rodent control programme also includes bulky waste removal and drain cleaning exercises, which have commenced across the parish to reduce harbourage areas.

Morris indicated that two of the five targeted drains — located in Truro and Frome — have already been cleaned.

Meanwhile, the chief public health inspector reported notable progress in food safety compliance across the parish.

He noted that, as of the end of January, there were 2,542 food-handling establishments on record, with 64 per cent certified.

In the meantime, Morris indicated that certification levels among tourist establishments remain high. He shared that of the 106 tourist establishments in operation, the majority are certified.

Morris further advised that food handlers clinics have resumed at several locations across the parish to support certification and regulatory compliance.

He said in January, 75 institutions, including schools and nursing homes, were inspected as part of routine monitoring.

Morris emphasised that sustained enforcement, effective environmental management and strong public cooperation are essential to safeguard the health and well-being of the parish’s residents.