Rat Infestation in Sanchong Schools Prompts Calls for Government Assistance

According to CNA, New Taipei City Councilor Peng Chia-yun pointed out during a municipal interpellation on the 22nd that several elementary schools in Sanchong have reported rat infestations, with feces found on desks and items chewed by rodents. To protect student health, she urged the city to establish a tiered support mechanism and a standard operating procedure for subsidizing school cleaning and disinfection. Mayor Hou Yu-ih promised that the Education Bureau would provide support based on the specific needs of each school. Councilor Peng argued that the issue is likely linked to aging facilities and pipeline defects, and that the Education and Health Bureaus should provide special budgets rather than leaving schools to handle it alone. Education Bureau Director Chang Ming-wen stated that a task force has been formed, and the bureau will support schools in hiring professional cleaning services. Environmental Protection Bureau Director Cheng Ta-wei noted that they are strengthening dredging and cleaning in high-risk areas.