WIDESPREAD termite infestation has resulted in the destruction of one of Lautoka's iconic buildings, the Presidential Bure.
Situated at Tavakubu, the bure has welcomed distinguished guests such as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles among others in its long and illustrious past.
Caretaker Aminio Cirimaitoga said the bure, which was built in the late 1800s, had to be demolished because it was infested by termites.
"There was no hope for the building," he said.
"The termites nest covered most of the foundation and they have eaten through most of the posts that are holding up the bure, making the structure very unsafe. They have also eaten all the furniture that was inside the bure and adjoining buildings."
Mr Cirimaitoga said leftover furniture and decor from the bure were burnt and the building would be demolished and rebuilt.
Recently, residents in the sugar city lodged complaints about termite infestation.
An operation established to monitor and control the spread of termites in Lautoka was suspended late last year.
Last week, the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji chief executive officer Elvis Silvestrini sent out an advisory informing residents in Lautoka to turn off all lights between 6pm and 8.30pm to avoid being targeted by termites.