BAF begins 3rd phase of Operation Kadivuka

The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) is working on implementing the third phase of operation Kadivuka which involves a subsidised rehabilitation program for homes infested by the Asian Subterranean Termites (AST).

BAF’s chief executive Elvis Silvestrini said BAF has made a submission to the Government for additional funds for this operation and is awaiting response on this.

Silvestrini said in the meantime BAF will contribute to the control of termites through monitoring and surveillance of affected areas and awareness and training for communities on preventive measures to protect their homes from termite infestation together with providing advice.

“BAF will continue to assist the public with our available resources however communities in affected areas of Lautoka and Labasa also need to be vigilant and take more proactive steps to prevent their homes and properties from termites,” he said.

He also added that the terminates are here to stay along with eight other species of termites.

“It’s been established for over 15 years in Fiji and it is now a question of containment not eradication of these termites,” Silvestrini said.

The second phase of operation Kadivuka which involved rehabilitation of houses and schools damaged through termite infestation progressed well, he added.

During this phase BAF teams rehabilitated 20 infested schools and 865 homes spending almost $1.3 million on the operation.

Operation Kadivuka was launched in 2010 to contain and control Asian Subterranean Termite infestation.

By Indrani Krishna