The Jerusalem Municipality, in cooperation with IDF Central
Command, has begun a large-scale operation to control a major
outburst of mosquitoes in northern parts of the city. North
Jerusalem residents have been suffering from an unprecedented
plague of mosquitoes attributed to a massive flow of sewage
from Ramallah toward Jerusalem and the Soreq River.
Mayor Rabbi Uri Lupoliansky held an emergency meeting of the
municipal board, issuing instructions to use all measures to
wipe out the nuisance. A command center has also been set up
at the 106 Municipal Hotline to coordinate requests for
assistance. So far 5,000 calls have been received!
The entire municipal pest control unit was sent to the site
and is working round-the-clock shifts. Municipal workers have
also begun working in PA areas outside the city limits. Two
tons of pesticides have already been sprayed.
The Mayor also asked the IDF Central Command to enter
outlying areas of Ramallah to divert the flow of sewage since
this is the only mode of action that can solve the problem on
a permanent basis. The Central Command reports that four
bulldozers were dispatched on Tuesday.
Mayor Lupoliansky called the affair "an instance of blatant
disregard on the part of the Ramallah Municipality. This is
genuine unconventional warfare against Jerusalem residents.
We will pursue every course of action, including the
diplomatic front and actions in PA territory, to defeat this
nuisance."
The Jerusalem Municipality issued instructions to dry
standing water on rooftops, water barrels, potted plants,
solar panels, etc., to avoid puddles caused by leaking
valves, to seal sewage openings in yards, to install screens
on doors and windows and to use only insect sprays permitted
by law.
Municipal health services also issued instructions via family
health stations explaining how to ward off mosquitoes and
treat bites if needed.
