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HAMBURG – Local authorities in Hamburg are calling for immediate action from the real estate company Vonovia to address a severe rat infestation in the Alten Bahnhofsviertel district of Wilhelmsburg. The situation, described by officials as posing "unacceptable and highly concerning hygienic conditions," has prompted a formal demand for intervention from the Hamburg-Mitte district assembly.
Infestation impacts residential areas
According to reports, the rear and inner courtyards of Vonovia-owned buildings located on Keindorffstraße, Buddestraße, Thielenstraße, and Wittestraße have become heavily infested with rats. Residents and local officials have reported seeing numerous rodents, with dead animals discovered near playgrounds. The extent of the infestation is causing infrastructure issues as well, with reports of sidewalk slabs sinking and bicycles sinking into the ground due to extensive burrowing.
CDU district representative Jörn Frommann, who conducted a site visit, described the alarming reality of the situation, noting that rats frequently appear in public spaces, posing a direct disturbance and health risk to the residents.
Ineffective control measures
While Vonovia has reportedly been using poison bait to manage the rodent population, local officials argue that these measures are insufficient given the apparent exponential growth of the rat population. The infestation is exacerbated by poor sanitary conditions in the area, particularly around open waste containers that attract the pests.
A joint motion submitted by the SPD, Greens, and CDU parties highlights that while the situation had temporarily improved after a similar outbreak in 2018, it has now returned to an acute level.
Demands for systemic improvements
The district assembly is calling for a comprehensive strategy to resolve the crisis. Key demands include:
- A radical, deep cleaning of all affected rear and inner courtyards.
- Replacement of existing waste containers with more secure, closed alternatives.
- Increased educational efforts for residents regarding waste disposal and hygiene.
Vonovia has been summoned to report on the situation and their proposed solutions at the upcoming Regional Committee meeting in September. The company is expected to present a plan to permanently address the infestation and improve the living conditions for tenants in the affected buildings.
Source: NDR
