Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad announced that $2 million has been allocated in the current financial year to address the issue of Asian Subterranean Termites (AST). While speaking in Parliament, he highlighted the formation of a task force aimed at supporting government efforts to assist households impacted by the AST infestation.
To provide relief to those who have experienced significant damages to their homes due to the termite problem, the government is launching a ‘Termite Subsidy Programme’ targeting residents in Lautoka, Ba, Nadi, and Rakiraki.
Under this program, households earning under $30,000 will receive a subsidy of $5,000, while those with a combined income between $30,000 and $50,000 will be eligible for a $2,000 subsidy.
According to Professor Prasad, the Lautoka City Council received a total of 1,327 applications, of which 448 met the program’s criteria and were granted subsidies of $5,000 and $2,000, costing a total of $2.2 million. Additionally, he reported that 327 applications have been verified and will be disbursed soon, while 160 are pending verification, 392 need further clarification, and 54 applicants were not successful.
The Minister emphasized that the long-term goal is to eliminate AST, and households receiving subsidies will also be provided with a termite baiting system, recognized as the most effective means of control.