Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad has announced that $2 million will be allocated this financial year to address the issue of Asian Subterranean Termites (AST).
During a session in Parliament, Prof. Prasad revealed the formation of a task force aimed at supporting the government’s response to assist households impacted by AST infestations.
To aid residents whose properties have suffered significant damage from termite attacks, the government is rolling out a “Termite Subsidy Programme,” particularly targeted at families in Lautoka, Ba, Nadi, and Rakiraki.
The initiative provides a subsidy of $5,000 for households earning less than $30,000 annually, and $2,000 for those with a combined income ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.
So far, the Lautoka City Council has received 1,327 applications, of which 448 have met the programme’s eligibility criteria and have already received their subsidies amounting to a total of $2.2 million.
Additionally, 327 applications have been verified and are set to receive payments in the coming months, while 160 applications are pending further verification, 392 are awaiting clarification, and 54 have been rejected.
Prof. Prasad emphasized that the long-term goal is to eradicate AST entirely and that households benefiting from the subsidy will also receive a termite baiting system, which is considered the most effective method of managing the pest.