The Cabinet has approved the expansion of a termite baiting program aimed at assisting lower-income households in Fiji. The initiative will provide funding for baiting homes with an annual income of less than $30,000, particularly in areas like Western and Northern divisions, which include squatter settlements facing significant termite-related issues.
The Asia Subterranean Termite (AST) has exhibited the most rapid spread in regions including Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, Labasa, and neighboring areas. As part of the strategy to combat this infestation, the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji will oversee and monitor the baiting process. The government views this expansion as a critical step toward eradicating the pest problem, with plans for further comprehensive strategies being developed.
The Office of the Prime Minister is actively leading the efforts, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji. Termites have plagued Fiji for over 15 years, resulting in considerable damage to homes, particularly in vulnerable areas like Lautoka, Nadi, and Labasa, with additional reports from Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki, and Nakasi.
Flick Hygiene, a pest management company, has recently been awarded a government contract to initiate the baiting program in Lautoka, focusing on 1,000 homes identified by Biosecurity Fiji.
This proactive government initiative offers a positive outlook for residents grappling with the challenges of termite infestations by providing targeted assistance, thereby enhancing the living conditions of those in affected areas. The collaboration among various governmental agencies underscores a unified commitment to resolving this pressing issue.
In summary, the Cabinet’s endorsement of the termite baiting program reflects a significant step towards mitigating the widespread damage caused by termites, ensuring that assistance reaches the communities that need it the most.
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