Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad announced that $2 million has been allocated this financial year to address the spread of Asian Subterranean Termites (AST).
During a speech in Parliament, Prof Prasad mentioned the formation of a task force to support the government’s efforts in aiding households impacted by the AST infestation. To provide assistance to those whose homes have incurred significant damage, the government is launching a ‘Termite Subsidy Programme,’ focusing on residents in Lautoka, Ba, Nadi, and Rakiraki.
The plan includes a subsidy of $5,000 for households with a combined income below $30,000 and a $2,000 subsidy for those whose income ranges from $30,000 to $50,000. The Lautoka City Council has received a total of 1,327 applications, with 448 of them verified as meeting the program’s criteria and receiving subsidies amounting to $2.2 million.
Prof Prasad noted that 327 additional applications have undergone verification and will receive payments in the coming months, while 160 applications are still waiting for verification. Furthermore, 392 applications require further clarification, and 54 applicants were not successful.
He added that the government aims to eliminate the AST infestation in the long term, and those households benefiting from the subsidy will simultaneously have access to a termite baiting system, which is recognized as the most effective treatment method.