Ciriwai in Sigatoka has been officially declared a biosecurity emergency area following the detection of an outbreak of Asian Subterranean Termites.
Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Tomasi Tunabuna issued the declaration on October 1 under Section 77 of the Biosecurity Act 2008, after consultations with the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) and the National Disaster Management Council.
The declaration, now in effect for six months, strictly prohibits the movement of termites and any termite-hosting materials into or out of the affected area without prior authorisation from BAF.
Host materials include items such as soil, potted plants, logs, timber, wooden furniture, books, clothing, textiles, and even crops like pine, mango, cassava, coconut, and sugarcane.
Residents found moving any restricted material or termites themselves without permission may face legal penalties under sections 79(3) and 94 of the Biosecurity Act 2008.
“Any breach of this declaration is a serious offence and will be dealt with accordingly,” the Minister added.
The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji is expected to coordinate containment efforts and continue monitoring the area. Awareness campaigns and inspections are also underway to limit the spread beyond Ciriwai.
Members of the public are urged to report any sightings of termites or nests to BAF immediately and to avoid moving potentially infested materials.
In late 2009 and early 2010, Fiji saw an outbreak of Asian Subterranean Termites in Lautoka and Labasa.
They have now been detected in Nakasi and Sigatoka.
