Swarms of termites invade Fiji town

FIJI – Communities around the Fiji town of Lautoka have reportedly been hit by swarms of termites.

The Fiji Times reports that since Thursday night, the town has been blanketed by swarms of the small bug, which have surrounded street lights and poured through floorboards.

Some residents have lit bonfires to try and attract and destroy the bugs.

The chairman of the Biosecurity Authority (BAF) , Xavier Riyaz Khan, says he was aware of the situation in Lautoka, and advisories have gone out.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Times was this week fined by the Biosecurity Authority over its reporting on the termites.

In the three articles published on Saturday, The Fiji Times wrote of concerns expressed by Lautoka City residents regarding the swarms of termites they faced on Thursday evening and the steps they were taking to prevent it.

Comments on the articles were also obtained from BAF CEO Khan and published with the report.

The Fiji Times editor-in-chief Fred Wesley said the newspaper had reported the realities faced by Lautoka residents and had sought and printed comments from BAF.

“We reported what concerned people told us and we made an effort to get a response from BAF. Obviously people were concerned about the turn of events in Lautoka last week. We reported that.

“It is rather unfortunate that BAF believes The Fiji Times is sensationalising and politicising this issue,” Wesley said

The authority said the newspaper had breached an order not to public articles on various pests and diseases which would obstruct the authority or cause panic and unrest.

Wesley said the penalty questions the paper’s ability to report freely on biosecurity issues that are of national interest.

Wesley reiterated The Fiji Times had merely reported people expressing their concerns.

“We will continue to endeavour to work with BAF in the national interest,” he said.

- PNC sources