The Ministry of Public Utilities is taking measures to deal with a potential rodent infestation at its headquarters at 1 Alexandra Street, St Clair, Port of Spain.

In a release on Wednesday, it stated, “The issue was first identified in January, and since then the Health and Safety Department of the Ministry has engaged the services of the Rodent Control Unit of the Port of Spain City Corporationon at least two occasions.

“This Unit has instituted preventive measures by distributing packets of rodenticides throughout the building.”

In addition to these measures, the Ministry has engaged in discussions with key organisations, including the Public Health Department of the Port of Spain City Corporation, the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA), and the Public Services Association. Staff at the Head Office have been kept informed about the situation and the ongoing efforts to resolve it, the release stated.

To further enhance internal controls, the Ministry is partnering with the Maintenance, Training and Security Company (MTS) to boost surveillance, cleaning, and sanitisation across the entire compound. Additionally, a pest control contractor has been enlisted to assess the situation over the coming days and recommend effective solutions.

The release stated, “The Ministry has also enlisted the services of a pest control contractor, who will assess the situation over the next few days to determine the best course of action for effectively addressing the issue.

“Meanwhile, the Executive of the Ministry of Public Utilities would like to assure the staff and the general public that it is committed to always ensuring a safe and healthy working environment, and that it will continue to extend best efforts in this regard.”