No Insurance

The insurance market does not cover damage caused by termite infestation, a growing concern for property owners of the West who have been adversely impacted over the years.

It’s pretty much like how there is no insurance cover for infestation of rodents, pests, marine growth and borers, Tower Insurance manager partnerships Josephine Ravai.

“Coverage is triggered by an event or peril that causes sudden and accidental physical loss, or damage to assets insured during the period of insurance, such as fire, earthquakes and cyclones,” she said.

There were no alternative solutions for property owners whose homes or offices were infested by termites, as far as Tower Insurance was concerned.

Amin Insurance founder, Anil Amin said the only solution was for property owners to construct with termite-resistant material.

“We haven’t got a cover for issues with termites, but there is a proxy clause if the property was damaged by fire cyclone; that would be covered,”he said.

Tropik Wood Industries Limited used Tanalith C Oxide to treat timber, manager sales and marketing, and sales dispatch Emily Lele said.

“We use approximately 3000 to 4000 litres a month, and sell our products to distributors, which include Vinod Patel, RC Manubhai, Kasabias, and GMR,” she said.

“We guarantee the quality of our products for strength, stiffness, treatment.

“Fiji Pine supplies mature logs to Tropik Woods for further processing into timber products.”

Untreated timber was creamy white in colour and when treated, turned a dull colour from chemicals used, Ms Lele said.

“Tropik-treated products and other sawmill-treated products cannot be differentiated just by looking at it. While it is similar in appearance, the difference is the process that we do.

“We correct moisture content; the correct chemical mix and penetration. We guarantee that our products are well-treated and send samples for independent tests at the Department of Forestry, which any doubtful customer can do.”

Ms Lele said timber pricing depended on the grades of products.

According to Biosecurity Authority of Fiji website, termite infestation began in Fiji in late 2009 when during an outbreak of Asian subterranean termites (AST) in Lautoka and Labasa.

The infestation has since consumed biosecurity emergency areas or red zones.

The termites tunnel its way through the soil to its food source to establishes colonies six to 18 feet underground, making detection difficult.

The swarming period is normally from 6pm to 8pm from August to October where termites are often seen near garage doors, window and door frames, columns supporting porches, dirt-filled porches and expansion joints.

Story By: Salote Qalubau

Feedback:  salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj