“It is important to act quickly, that there is urgent disinfestation and that this becomes routine”, said the president of the União de Freguesias de Évora, Francisco Branco de Brito.

The mayor was speaking about a statement from the union of parishes about the alleged proliferation of pests in the historic centre, classified as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Contacted by Lusa, the mayor of Évora, Carlos Pinto de Sá, refused to be alarmist about the problem, claiming that “it is not a generalised situation”.

“It is a situation that basically stems from the time we are living in, because it hasn’t rained and it's very hot”, he said while admitting that “there is a proliferation of some specimens in specific areas” of the city.

Pinto de Sá assured that the municipality “regularly carries out disinfestation interventions” in the city and that it does so “in accordance with the rules that are defined”.

“Therefore, we are attentive and intervene when justified”, he stressed.

Major problem

The president of the Évora Parish Union warned that the proliferation of pests in public spaces, such as rats, cockroaches and pigeons, is “becoming a major problem”.

“Rats and cockroaches coming out of the gutters are visible on the streets, which is not pleasant for residents and tourists and is also a worry to us due to the diseases that can arise from this situation”, he stressed.