Allen Lockington is a self-employed customs agent and business consultant who has regular articles published in www.connectme.com.fj/news/opinion. I thank Allen and Connect for permission to reprint some of them in this political blog. They remind us that life goes on, whatever the political situation. And it's good to know that.
Operation Kadi Vuka
I attended a Kadi Vuka presentation by Bio Security officers at Tilak High School on the termite problem in Lautoka. I found out that it is a national issue. At a glance we think that the problem is confined to wood being eaten and plants being destroyed. However, the PowerPoint presentation by Bio Security officer Lautoka Mr. Nilesh Chand was an eye opener for many of us. We got to learn that the problem extends to tourism, business, health safety and the economy. Mr. Chand was very articulate and thorough in the presentation and we did not have any questions. We even got to see specimen of the insect.
As for the danger it poses, tourists will shy away from Lautoka if they feel they are in danger of buildings infested by termites collapsing on them. Countries that we normally export produce of wood product to may not want to deal with us for fear that produce will have the problem. At the moment there is no chemical that has been identified to properly combat this particular termite but experts are working on things.
The team that is working with the Bio Security officers include military and police officers and civil servants and they work long hours. I marvel at the speed that government has reacted in containing this danger. Agriculture is in danger. We depend on it for sustenance and exports.
Having looked at slides of schools that were infested and damaged, one can see that this insect has a voracious appetite. No bigger than a grain of sand the devastation it can cause is enourmous.
We have been informed by the Kadi Vuka taskforce to report sightings of the insect or if we suspect something. And I salute Mr. Lemeki Rautcicivi and his team for the awareness and empowering programe and hope we will eradicate this menace.
Allen Lockington
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