ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
SUVA: A joint government team led by Fiji’s ministry of agriculture will be in the western city of Lautoka today to try and stamp out the termite infestation that has wreaked havoc in seven settlements.
Codenamed Operation ‘Kadivuka’, it will involve 120 personnel from various government ministries and departments.
Targeted areas are Tomuka, Tavakubu, Naikabula, Natabua, Saru, Tawatawa and Vitogo Paipai.
Senior biosecurity officer Western Lemeki Ratucicivi said all those involved in the operation have been appointed temporary biosecurity officers by permanent secretary for agriculture, Colonel Mason Smith.
“Residents in these areas should be expecting biosecurity officers within the next few days. The deadly termites build their colonies six to 18 feet underground and around 300 feet radius,” he told Fiji Live.
Lautoka residents who might have termites in their houses are being urged not disturb termite colonies as they are easily enraged and are also attracted to light and fly only at night.
Agriculture permanent secretary Colonel Mason Smith said the operation would take six months and cost $700,000.
He said they were working with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community to secure the services of an overseas consultant to help them identify measures to contain the pest.
“We will try to identify infested structures first for inspection and then decide on whether to pull down the structures and burn them on the site if the termite infestation is out of control," he said.
Col. Mason said if homes were severely infested and beyond chemical treatment, they would make careful considerations before burning it.
“This is a six-month eradication exercise which will cost about $700,000,” he said.
"The affected areas are quite large. Each home will be assessed on a case by case basis and we don't want to be seen as invading properties."
SUVA: A joint government team led by Fiji’s ministry of agriculture will be in the western city of Lautoka today to try and stamp out the termite infestation that has wreaked havoc in seven settlements. Codenamed Operation ‘Kadivuka’, it will involve 120 personnel from various government...
SUVA: A joint government team led by Fiji’s ministry of agriculture will be in the western city of Lautoka today to try and stamp out the termite infestation that has wreaked havoc in seven settlements.
Codenamed Operation ‘Kadivuka’, it will involve 120 personnel from various government ministries and departments.
Targeted areas are Tomuka, Tavakubu, Naikabula, Natabua, Saru, Tawatawa and Vitogo Paipai.
Senior biosecurity officer Western Lemeki Ratucicivi said all those involved in the operation have been appointed temporary biosecurity officers by permanent secretary for agriculture, Colonel Mason Smith.
“Residents in these areas should be expecting biosecurity officers within the next few days. The deadly termites build their colonies six to 18 feet underground and around 300 feet radius,” he told Fiji Live.
Lautoka residents who might have termites in their houses are being urged not disturb termite colonies as they are easily enraged and are also attracted to light and fly only at night.
Agriculture permanent secretary Colonel Mason Smith said the operation would take six months and cost $700,000.
He said they were working with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community to secure the services of an overseas consultant to help them identify measures to contain the pest.
“We will try to identify infested structures first for inspection and then decide on whether to pull down the structures and burn them on the site if the termite infestation is out of control," he said.
Col. Mason said if homes were severely infested and beyond chemical treatment, they would make careful considerations before burning it.
“This is a six-month eradication exercise which will cost about $700,000,” he said.
"The affected areas are quite large. Each home will be assessed on a case by case basis and we don't want to be seen as invading properties."
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