The Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Professor Biman Prasad, announced a budget of $2 million for the current financial year aimed at addressing the issue of Asian Subterranean Termites (AST). During a Parliament session, he revealed that a task force has been formed to assist the government in supporting households impacted by the AST infestation.
To aid those whose homes have suffered significant damage, the government is introducing a ‘Termite Subsidy Programme’ targeted primarily at residents in Lautoka, Ba, Nadi, and Rakiraki. The program offers a subsidy of $5,000 for households earning a combined income of less than $30,000, while those with a combined income between $30,000 and $50,000 will receive a $2,000 subsidy.
So far, the Lautoka City Council has received 1,327 applications, of which 448 meet the required criteria and have been granted subsidies of $5,000 or $2,000, costing a total of $2.2 million. Additionally, 327 applications have been verified and will receive payments in the upcoming months. There are also 160 applications pending verification, 392 awaiting clarification, and 54 that were unsuccessful.
Professor Prasad emphasized that the long-term objective is to eradicate the AST, and households benefiting from the subsidy will also receive a termite baiting system, recognized as the most effective method for dealing with the pest.