A motivating innovation has been introduced by an NGO to eradicate rats and reduce the menace of Lassa Fever spread in Lagos.
A non-governmental organisation, Phosguard Fumigant Limited, in partnership with the Lagos state government is set to monetize the killing of rats in the highly populated state to fight the surge of Lassa Fever which has been threatening lives.
According to the Punch, the NGO introduced a bounty which reads "kill rats, make money". Under this campaign, the rodents killed by residents will be purchased by the organization for a rate that is yet to be fixed.
The rodents will be eliminated using hi-tech chemicals and equipment that would make their decomposing bodies non-infectious
The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Oluwasegun Benson, on Sunday, said the bounty would help to get rid of rats in the state.
“We will buy at least 20 rats for a yet-to-be determined amount. In Lagos now, it is operation kill rats and make money.
“A rat has 28 days gestation period and in the past years, there has not been any solid structure on ground to curb them from infecting humans with diseases.
“We are already approaching an epidemic with Lassa fever and we must be proactive and find a more coordinated approach to control them. It is war against rodents and pests in Lagos State," he said.
Benson said the company was collaborating with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority to either incinerate or bury the rats. The company has the capability of proving up to 200 to 300 jobs for the teeming populace.