Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad announced that $2 million will be allocated this financial year to address the issue of Asian Subterranean Termites (AST).
During a parliamentary session, Prof Prasad mentioned the formation of a task force aimed at supporting government initiatives to assist households impacted by the AST infestation.
To aid those who have experienced significant damage to their homes, the government is launching a ‘Termite Subsidy Programme,’ focusing on communities in Lautoka, Ba, Nadi, and Rakiraki.
Under this program, households with a collective income of less than $30,000 will receive a subsidy of $5,000, while those with an income ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 will receive $2,000.
So far, the Lautoka City Council has received 1,327 applications, of which 448 were verified as meeting the program’s criteria, resulting in the disbursement of $5,000 and $2,000 subsidies, totaling $2.2 million.
Additionally, 327 applications have been verified and will receive payments in the forthcoming months, while 160 applications are awaiting verification, 392 are pending clarification, and 54 applicants were not approved.
Prof Prasad emphasized that the long-term objective is to eradicate AST, and households benefiting from the subsidy will also receive a termite baiting system, which is recognized as the most effective method for dealing with the issue.