INVASION OF FLIES FORCES RESIDENTS OUT OF HOMES

NGWEMPISI – Peace has been disrupted in a Velezizweni community, but it is not because of burglars, loud music or gangsters; it is due to an invasion of flies.

In the once-quiet neighbourhood of Ludvondvolo, Veleziweni residents, including the elderly and young alike have been forced to spend most of the day outside their houses. This is said to be due to an invasion flies which are everywhere in the community. The flies are said to be mainly inside the house, making it difficult for them to enjoy some peace and quiet.

The invasion is said to have started several weeks ago, with reports of swarms of houseflies infiltrating homes and overwhelming residents. Initially dismissed as a temporary issue, the situation quickly escalated, leading to widespread discomfort and frustration among homeowners. With kitchens and living areas are becoming breeding grounds for these pests, families are struggling to cope with the incessant buzzing and the health risks associated with fly infestations. The residents are blaming the presence of chicken manure at a nearby poultry farm which they allege is where the flies originate.  The poultry farm is known to this publication, but because the is no proof that it is the one solely responsible for the flies, it will not be published for now.

Manure

The residents said the chicken manure is acting as a ‘fertile ground’ for the houseflies which breed at this time of the year. Phumile Vilakati, a long-time resident of Ludvondvolo, expressed her despair: “I never thought I would be forced to live outside my own home. The flies have taken over every corner and I can’t even enjoy a meal without them swarming around me.” She revealed that she had tried various methods to combat the infestation, including fly catchers, a type of sticky paper which when rolled out traps flies which get stuck when they fly into it.

Vilakati said even insect killer sprays have become useless, such that a can finishes quickly with almost no effect on the flies. The fly invasion is said to be affecting a significant number of households in the area, with at least 14 homeowners reporting similar issues. The residents have taken the matter further by holding community meetings, to share their experiences and seeking advice on how to manage the situation.

Sorted

They also revealed that they reported the matter to the Eswatini Environmental Authority (EEA) in hope that the issue could be sorted.  Lucky Nkumane, another homeowner, shared his experience: “Even with my doors closed, the flies find a way in. I feel like I’m living in a nightmare. I’ve been buying fly traps every day, yet they keep multiplying.”  Nkumane also showed the Eswatini News reporter around the kitchen which  was infested with flies.  Some of the flies had been trapped, while some  were freely flying around the kitchen and other rooms.  

Changed

Charlie Sukati, a resident who has also been affected by the infestation said: “We’ve reported the matter to the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), but so far, nothing has changed. He said initially when the residents reported the matter to EEA, there was a change, as there was a decline they observed.

He said there numbers reduced, but that the situation appears to be back with the infestations in full effect.On Wednesday, the residents also protested outside the premises of the farm, but police are said to have been called on them. Yesterday, the residents as well as other authorities held a meeting over the same issue.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: