Cape Town officials are addressing rising concerns regarding the disposal of dredged material in Macassar, an area experiencing a surge in rat populations. The city attributes the increased rat activity not solely to the debris, but to a combination of factors including readily available food sources and existing illegal dumping issues. Authorities also point to the surrounding environmental conditions as contributing to the problem. This response follows criticism about the open-air placement of dredged material and its potential impact on public health. The city maintains its handling of the debris is justified given the complex local context. Residents remain worried about the potential for disease transmission and ecological damage. Further action is expected to mitigate the situation and address community concerns.