Family of eight forced into makeshift shed after termites destroy Lautoka home

A family of eight in Velovelo, Lautoka, is now living in a small makeshift shed after termites severely damaged their three-bedroom home.

Ratu Sione Ravusoni, 47, lives with his wife, eldest son, daughter-in-law, grandchild and three school-aged children.

The former resort worker now relies on small carpentry jobs to support his family, making coffins and wooden chest for boarding students and newlyweds.

But even that work has come to a halt.

“The termites have affected the whole house. All the wood supporting the house has been infested,” Ravusoni said.

He said parts of the home had become unsafe to live in.

“The floors in the rooms have been eaten by termites, so we had to place pieces of wood on the floor so we can walk on them.”

As the damage worsened, the family was forced to move out.

“We had to build a shed to live in because the whole house has been infested. Even our clothes, bags and electrical appliances have been damaged by termites.

“We had to throw some of our belongings away because the termites had eaten them.”

Ravusoni said the infestation began last year. The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji treated the home, but the problem continues.

“They came and sprayed the affected areas, but the termites are still there and continue to infest the building,” he said.

He has since sought help from the Prime Minister’s Office, asking for assistance to access his Fiji National Provident Fund savings early so he can rebuild.

“All I am asking is if I can withdraw my FNPF money, which is more than $40,000, so I can build a new home in another place,” he said.

“I want to demolish and burn this whole house.”

However, he said the Prime Minister’s Office was unable to assist, and his request to the Fiji National Provident Fund was also declined because he has not reached the eligible withdrawal age of 55.

“I need my FNPF money to build a new home in a new place because I believe these termites are coming from underground.

“Now we are living in the shed with our mattress, pillows and a few clothes,” he said.