A total of 760 homeowners affected by termite infestations have received $5,000 each, while an additional 15 homeowners have been granted $3,000 each from the Coalition Government’s assistance program for impacted families.
Sashi Kiran, co-chairperson of the Termite Taskforce, noted that the Asian Subterranean Termites (AST) have been a significant issue in the country for the past decade, causing considerable structural damage to homes.
“In Lautoka, the property values have been greatly impacted by the AST infestation,” Kiran explained. She added that the termite problem has also spread to the Northern Division and Nakasi.
Kiran highlighted that a total of $3.83 million has been distributed to 775 applicants thus far. The Lautoka City Council has processed these applications, which were verified by Biosecurity of Fiji.
The Coalition Government has initiated a pilot assessment and baiting program in Lautoka, with plans to expand the initiative to other regions of the country based on insights gained from the Lautoka experience.
“The experiences from Lautoka will aid us as we conduct further assessments of the termite issue nationwide,” Kiran stated.