REPORTS filtering in on the termite infestation has revealed that the number of affected homes could be much higher than initial figures.
Advisory councillor for Tavakubu in Lautoka, Jagendra Singh said about 90 homes in the area were infested. This is in comparison to earlier reports by the biosecurity authority that 74 homes in Lautoka had been confirmed to be infested.
The continued spread of the termite has become a major concern for the Forestry Department and Forestry conservator Inoke Wainiqolo said they had yet to receive reports from the taskforce established to look into the matter. He reported that another issue which added to their worries was reports of the termite being foreign species.
"We are concerned about the outbreak. Our work involves the monitoring of imported timber that is brought into the country and to ensure that quality timber is being exported to other countries," said Mr Wainiqolo
Asked whether they inspected the quality of timber sold locally, Mr Wainiqolo said more priority was placed on timber that was brought in or taken out of Fiji.
"For timber sold locally, sometimes it can be treated or untreated but our inspections are mainly focused on the timber sold to other countries and those sold to Fiji by other countries," he said.
Timber imported to Fiji was first received by the customs authorities which then informed the Forestry Department of the consignment.
Fiji Times