Dead rats seen in Hougang HDB estate, town council stepping up inspections

A resident in Hougang estate was left shocked after the dead rats in his neighbourhood were left uncleared.

The carcasses were seen in the vicinity of Block 251, 252, 253 and 254 in Hougang Avenue 3.

Speaking to Mothership, the man said that a rat had even entered his home at Block 254 on one occasion on Dec. 5.

In response to Mothership's queries, Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC) said it is aware of the issue and that nearby excavation works may have facilitated the migration of rats in the area.

Dead rats "seen for days"

According to the resident, who lives on the ground floor, the rat carcasses were not cleared "for days" and were seen in drains and on the roads.

Some were even seen with blood splattered and innards exposed on the ground.

He added that they could have been run over by cars, and that he had seen community cats in the area "chasing the rats and eating them".

The reader also said the carcasses are "very unhygienic" and "smells really bad if not cleared for days".

Once, a rat even entered his home, prompting him to chase it out with a broom.

He has kept his doors closed every day since then.

He said the incident has "caused significant stress and inconvenience" to his family.

He said he had reported the matter to the authorities, but was told to engage pest control services.

"I was very upset with that suggestion. It is a common area which should be under the care of the town council," he said.

Town council stepping up inspections

AHTC said it has been monitoring the rodent situation closely.

It added: "We are aware that there are PUB excavation works nearby, which may have facilitated the migration of rats."

According to the town council, the dead rats observed in the drains were likely the result of burrow treatments implemented.

It added that it has increased the frequency of inspections, including joint inspections with PUB’s appointed contractor "in anticipation of potential rodent issues".

Other site inspections and treatment had also been carried out by AHTC's pest control operator.

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