$3 million allocated to mitigate destruction by Asian Subterranean Termite

To address and mitigate the detrimental effects posed by the invasive Asian Subterranean Termite government has launched Termite Control Assistance Programme and allocated $3 million in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

The Assistant Minister of the Office of the Prime Minister, Sakiusa Tubuna says houses infested have not only weaken the structure but created anxiety and fear among residents of Lautoka and other affected areas.

Tubuna says TCAP is a crucial step towards addressing the concerns and safeguarding the communities and will see the development of mechanisms to register complaints.

He says the Asian Subterranean Termites poses significant threat to wooden structures and it is necessary to prevent its spread to other parts of the nation.

The Assistant Minister says to effectively manage termite infestation, a termite control taskforce has been operational for several months.

The problem of termite infestation in Lautoka was first reported to the Biosecurity of Fiji in 2009, with little attention given to the issue, resulting in widespread infestation and property damage.

He says soon the residents will be able to file reports with their respective council for termite infestation after which the council will issue report to TCAP.

TCAP is a comprehensive strategy in collaboration with the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji to develop a database for termite infestation in Lautoka and conduct site inspections after treatment works are completed.

TCAP will focus on a comprehensive baiting system from reporting, making baits widely available, and subsidising treatment for households earning below $30,000.