Rat Infestation Continues! New Taipei Schools Find Rodent Droppings; Councilor Urges Rat Control Subsidies

A concerning rat infestation is plaguing schools in New Taipei City, prompting calls for decisive action from local authorities. Councilor Peng Jia-yun highlighted the issue after receiving complaints from parents at Wuhua Elementary School in Sanchong, where students have found rat droppings on their desks and their belongings damaged by rodents. This situation not only disrupts the learning environment but also poses a significant health risk, especially with the recent rise in Hantavirus cases in the region. While schools are implementing measures like traps and disinfection, these efforts are proving insufficient. Councilor Peng argues that the problem often stems from structural issues, such as aging school buildings and faulty pipelines, which require professional intervention and dedicated funding. She is advocating for the city government to create a special subsidy program to assist financially struggling schools in addressing these deep-rooted rodent issues. Mayor Hou Yu-ih and education officials have acknowledged the problem, stating that four schools have reported rat issues. They are enhancing cleaning efforts around school drainage ditches and pledging support from the Education Bureau. However, the councilor emphasizes that a more proactive and comprehensive approach is needed to ensure the health and safety of students.

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Students' drawers had items chewed by rats, and there were rat droppings on classroom desks.