The Fiji Times

Lovu residents happy with Govt’s action on termite crisis

- By DIPESH KUMAR

RESIDENTS of Lovu Lautoka have expressed their appreciati­on to the Coalition Government for their immediate action in addressing the termite crisis affecting their community.

The Government’s recent allocation of funds to assist those impacted by termite infestatio­ns has gathered widespread appreciati­on from these residents as the termite infestatio­n has left homes damaged and families distressed.

In response to the crisis, the Coalition Government has allocated $3 million to implement targeted solutions.

Lovu resident Nandita Chand said this has not only reassured the affected residents but has also become a beacon of hope for the community.

“We are immensely grateful to the Coalition Government for their help. The help demonstrat­es a genuine commitment to the well-being of our community and it will provide us with muchneeded relief during these challengin­g times.”

“After COVID our income has also been unstable so this will be a great help. This area is also prone to flooding therefore we also have to set our income aside for other repairs.”

“The baiting programme will also be of great help because it is costly when we do it on our own.”

Another resident, Meenal Kumar also shared that many families have been dealing with the destructio­n caused by termites and that the structural integrity of their homes has been compromise­d.

She shared that the many residents have had to rebuild their homes, which have also been affected by termites.

“Some people have had to leave their homes because it is unsafe to live in. Our homes are also built on pillars so the floorboard­s crack and go in.”

Ms Kumar shared that while they continue to face problems, they are thankful to the Government in taking a decisive step to help the citizens.

Affected residents have been urged to register with their district officers for efficient subsidised bait provision and financial assistance for repairs.

The targeted relief is designed to address the varying needs of the affected residents whereby $5,000 will be allocated for individual­s with an income below $30,000 and $2,000 for those with an income ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.

Individual­s below the poverty line will be prioritise­d and financial assistance will be provided to help repair damages, focusing particular­ly on soft timber components such as doors, ceilings, and walls.

 ?? Photo: DIPESH KUMAR ?? Residents of Lovu have welcomed the assistance from Government to help address the termite crisis affecting the community.
Photo: DIPESH KUMAR Residents of Lovu have welcomed the assistance from Government to help address the termite crisis affecting the community.
 ?? Photo: DIPESH KUMAR ?? Residents of Lovu have been dealing with termites for years.
Photo: DIPESH KUMAR Residents of Lovu have been dealing with termites for years.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Fiji