The proliferation of rats in their neighbourhood has become a major headache for residents of Al Ruwais, local Arabic daily Al Sharq has reported.
They have explained that rats, which enter schools, homes and other places throughout the day, are the biggest source of disturbance and also that it poses danger to people living in the area. The problem has assumed alarming proportions that some of the residents are contemplating leaving the area, the report added.
Al Ruwais has witnessed major development work in the past 10 years, including the transformation of its old buildings into modern ones. The place also boasts of facilities and services such as markets, commercial stores, schools, a Civil Defence centre and other facilities.
Residents say the rats mostly gather in some of the remaining old and deserted buildings, from where they spread to different parts of Al Ruwais. There is also the fear of the rodents attacking children in the locality.
A citizen told the daily that they were delighted with the urban development witnessed in Al Ruwais, but said that their joy ended with the proliferation of huge mice — as well as insects — in the area.
She said the size of some of the rats were frightening and this also posed a big danger to kids, adding that the rodents could be found inside the areas throughout the day. The woman also blamed the presence of old, dilapidated buildings for the rat menace.
She called upon the authorities concerned to find quick and effective solutions.
