Termite infestation a national issue

02/05/2010

The termite infestation is a national issue and must be treated with utmost priority.

These were the comments by Commissioner Western Cmdr Joeli Cawaki in a briefing to Operation Kadivuka teams yesterday.

Mr Cawaki said if not taken serously, the destruction caused by the termite could wreak havoc to Fiji exports such as timber.

“Food security is another area that could be undermined if the infestation moves to other parts of the Western division,” he said.

He told those at the briefing that Operation Kadivuka was a biosecurity operation and Government is committed to ensuring the infestation does not spread to other parts of the country. Government has set aside $711,000 for the Operation.
termite
 Operation Kadivuka (termite) in progress. (Credit: Commissioner Western’s Office)
A similar briefing on the Operation was conducted with all department heads in the Western division late yesterday.

Senior biosecurity officer Western Mr Lemeki Ratucicivi will hold a two-hour refresher training for all those involved in the Operation today.

Mr Cawaki said all appointed temporary biosecurity officers will be briefed on the Standard Operations Procedure.

He wishes to remind members of the public that all all biosecurity officers are wearing identification cards and home owners should demand to sight these cards before allowing them entry. Home owners will need to also sign a consent form.

Complaints or queries on the termite infestation can be directed to the Quarantine Department on 6665984 or see a quarantine officer at their office in Marine Drive, Lautoka.