A recent review of the Termite Control Assistance Programme (TCAP) revealed that only 5 percent of recipients utilized their grants to repair their homes. The other 95 percent did not invest the funds into building projects.
Sashi Kiran, the Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, indicated that this could suggest that many recipients are either waiting for the termite baiting to be completed or did not plan to use the funds as intended. Kiran emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring by the government to ensure that funds are being effectively used and that those in need can access available loan facilities.
Kiran mentioned that the government is actively working to provide resources, such as conducting nationwide baiting initiatives for those with lower incomes, while also increasing awareness about termite infestations. She expressed hope that, with the focus on mitigation and prevention strategies, financial institutions would rise to the occasion by offering products to support those affected in rebuilding their homes.
Notably, Kiran also reported an uptick in applications for the TCAP subsidy, which has helped identify new households with long-standing termite infestations that had previously gone unreported. This program has encouraged individuals to come forward to seek assistance once financial support was offered through the subsidy.
Initially, a subsidy of $5,000 was available for households earning less than $30,000, and a lesser subsidy of $2,000 was provided for those with a combined income ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.
In summary, while the low usage rate of the TCAP grant for home repairs raises concerns, the government’s proactive steps and the rising awareness among residents could lead to improved utilization of resources in the future. With financial institutions potentially stepping up to aid in reconstruction efforts, there is hope for a more robust response to termite challenges and better housing conditions in the community.
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