Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Sakiusa Tubuna says he was shocked by the amount of homes including government quarters that have been infested by the Asian subterranean termites in Lautoka.
While touring infested areas in the Sugar City recently, Mr Tubuna said there was an urgent need to address this problem that was destroying people’s homes.
“For me as a first-timer, I was dumbfounded to see this very big problem and the extent of it,” he said.
“I am thankful to the Assistant Minister for Women Sashi Kiran for bringing this to our attention and for crying out for government assistance on this.
“She was right in saying just before the elections that government was not prioritising this because this has basically affected so much in terms of our homes, our socio-economic livelihoods and affecting a whole facet of our community.”
He said he was pleased that important discussions had begun to look at best ways at addressing the issue.
“Of course, the first thing that we need to know is Government has limited resources but at the same time we have to appreciate the fact that through partnerships we can address this problem.
“Having an integrated approach is quite critical and that is why we are here.”
Following a discussion with stakeholders from the Lautoka City Council, Ministry Town and Country Planning, Lautoka Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Commissioner Western’s Office and the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, it was agreed that the Termite Control Committee be revived.
Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Sashi Kiran said the committee would need to have regular meetings to plan strategies to help educate and raise awareness for members of the public.
She said that discussions would have to begin between the relevant stakeholders and formulate strategies to help guide Government’s decision on the issue.
