Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, announced that $2 million is allocated in the current financial year to address the proliferation of Asian Subterranean Termites (AST). While speaking in Parliament, he revealed that a task force has been set up to enhance the government’s support for households affected by AST infestations.
To provide assistance to families whose homes have been severely damaged by the termite outbreaks, the government is launching a ‘Termite Subsidy Programme,’ which targets residents in Lautoka, Ba, Nadi, and Rakiraki.
The program will offer a subsidy of $5,000 to households earning less than $30,000 and a $2,000 subsidy for those with a combined income between $30,000 and $50,000. Prasad noted that the Lautoka City Council has received 1,327 applications, of which 448 have been confirmed eligible for support, leading to a total payment of $2.2 million in subsidies.
Additionally, he mentioned that 327 applications have been verified and will receive payments soon, while 160 applications are pending verification, 392 require further clarification, and 54 applicants did not meet the criteria.
The Minister emphasized that the long-term objective is to eliminate AST completely. Households benefiting from the subsidy will also receive a termite baiting system, identified as the most effective method for controlling the infestation.