A significant investment of $3.8 million has been allocated for the rehabilitation of houses affected by termites in the Western and Central Divisions. This initiative, led by the Termite Taskforce co-chair and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Sakiasi Tubuna, has made substantial progress, addressing a total of 775 homes.
According to Mr. Tubuna, the funding covered 448 approved applications from the previous fiscal year and 327 approved in the current year. The government is also expanding its termite baiting program beyond existing areas such as Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, Labasa, and Nakasi.
Through a collaboration with Flick Hygiene Pte Ltd, which has been contracted via the government’s Tender Board, the initiative aims to provide termite baiting systems for 1,000 households. This baiting system is designed to eradicate termite colonies through strategically placed bait stations in high-risk areas.
Sashi Kiran, co-chair of the Taskforce and Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating that the next steps involve encouraging residents to register their properties for the baiting service. She remarked that understanding the extent of the termite issue is crucial, as homes that are not treated risk serious structural damage.
Furthermore, Flick Hygiene’s executive director, Mohammed Zakariah, announced that the Ministry of Agriculture has approved the mass distribution of bait to hardware stores nationwide, with each bait costing between $30 to $40.
This proactive response to the termite infestation reflects the government’s commitment to protecting homes and ensuring community safety. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to safeguard their homes from potentially devastating damage.
As communities unite to combat this issue, there is hope that these efforts will lead to safer living conditions and ultimately foster a sense of collective responsibility in addressing pest control.
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