Rat infestation in Almaty? Akimat responds to citizens' posts

Tengrinews.kz — Almaty residents are taking to social media to share photos and videos of large rodents spotted on city streets. The footage shows the animals scurrying across sidewalks and appearing in popular recreational areas.
Rats inhabiting squares and parks
Locals report seeing rodents more frequently in public squares where residents walk and relax.

For instance, rats were spotted at the new square in front of the Almaty Akimat, at the intersection of Satpayev and Zheltoksan streets.
Rats in Almaty. Photo provided by a reader
Earlier, a video surfaced on social media showing a rat carrying a baursak along a drainage ditch. The rodent is seen calmly walking along the concrete structure, seemingly indifferent to nearby people.
A rat carrying a baursak. Photo from Threads
In other instances, rats have been filmed running over food inside small pastry kiosks.
Rats in a food stall. Photo from Threads
The official response from the Akimat
The city administration (Akimat) stated that regular pest control measures are carried out in Almaty. The next phase of extermination is scheduled to begin on September 15 and run until October 25, covering over 47,000 hectares.
Specialists will treat green zones, drainage networks, riverbanks, water bodies, rodent burrows, and areas near bus stops.

"Residents of the private sector will be provided with free specialized bait along with instructions for its use. However, the treatment of private territories, buildings, and structures remains the responsibility of the owners," the statement reads.