Residents of the Van Echtenstraat in Hoogeveen are at a loss. They have been dealing with a rat infestation for quite some time now. The municipality therefore checked the sewer in the street last summer. Hoogeveen did not encounter any vermin through an inspection and a smoke test. An investigation shows that the nuisance may have to do with an older private sewer that is behind the houses.
In the past, this was used to channel waste water back to the municipal sewer at the front of the houses, the municipality of Hoogeveen says. Nowadays, this is no longer necessary, because all homes, after conversion, are directly connected to the municipal sewerage system.
The connection at the back is therefore no longer necessary, but Hoogeveen believes that part has remained intact. Possibly this old sewer is still connected to the crawl spaces of the houses and the rats can therefore find a way up.
During the inspection in June, it was not possible to determine whether this is actually the case. The old sewer at the back is not accessible according to the municipality. Hoogeveen also says that it is not responsible for taking measures when it comes to private sewers. The residents have to take care of that themselves. This is where the investigation ends for the time being.
The group of objectors is now aware of the results. Advice has also been given on what measures can be taken.