The Cabinet has approved an expansion of the termite baiting program to combat the ongoing termite infestation affecting homes in Fiji. Funding will target households earning less than $30,000, particularly those in Western and Northern divisions, including residents in squatter settlements within high-risk areas.
The primary focus is on the Asia Subterranean Termite (AST), which poses a significant threat to properties in regions including Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, Labasa, and the surrounding areas. The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji will oversee the baiting initiative, which is a critical component of the government’s comprehensive strategy to eliminate the termite problem and mitigate its impact.
The Office of the Prime Minister will spearhead the program in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Biosecurity Authority of Fiji. This coordinated effort aims to effectively address the challenges posed by termites, which have been a persistent issue in Fiji for over 15 years, leading to severe damage, especially in vulnerable areas.
In an interview conducted earlier this month, Flick Hygiene executive director Mohammed Zakariah highlighted that the termite issue is escalating, prompting the government to award a tender to his company for the baiting program, starting with 1,000 homes in Lautoka identified by Biosecurity Fiji.
This proactive response from the Cabinet reflects a commitment to safeguarding homes and supporting residents financially impacted by this invasive pest, offering hope for a more secure living environment in the future. As more comprehensive strategies are developed, there is optimism that Fiji can effectively tackle the termite crisis and restore peace of mind to affected homeowners.
Overall, the expansion of the termite baiting program signifies a positive step forward in addressing environmental and quality-of-life challenges for many families in Fiji.
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