Owners of low cost houses at Frog Lane, Devonshire are seeking Government's help in paying for fumigation of the termite-riddled development.

In a letter to Works and Engineering Minister C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, dated November 27, 1997, Frog Lane Condominium Association chairman Terry Flood said residents hoped to have the work begin this month.

But he told The Royal Gazette Mr. Woolridge did not have the courtesy to respond to residents. As of late last week, he said, they were still awaiting a response.

"After having our homes at Frog Lane Estate in Devonshire thoroughly investigated by two professional workers from Bermuda Pest Control, they have concluded that the whole estate needs to be gased fumigated,'' Mr. Flood wrote in the letter which was also copied to Bermuda Housing Corporation general manager Ed Cowen and area MPs John Barritt and Michael Dunkley.

"On behalf of all concerned residents of Frog Lane Estate, we are requesting to inquire to see if Government can assist in giving the residents of the development any financial aid to have the work done...'' Noting that the homes were built by Government, Mr. Flood said pest control experts agreed that one of the main reasons for the termites settling was because the wood work was not treated before the homes were built.

"We hope your Ministry will be in a position to finance the fumigation,'' he added.

But Mr. Woolridge told The Royal Gazette Government had no intention of providing financial assistance for the fumigation. While he stressed he sympathised with the home owners, Mr. Woolridge said his Ministry did not have the money to help. And even if it did, he added, the termite problem would return.

He added that as far as he was aware, Government had never even paid for the fumigation of its rental homes.

Mr. Woolridge noted that when he received the letter he contacted Mr. Cowen.

"He and his people looked at it and they said they cannot do anything about it,'' he said, adding that termites were a problem to homes throughout Bermuda including his.

"I have a lot of cedar at my home,'' Mr. Woolridge continued. "I have the same experience with termites. When the roof of my garage opens they fall on to my car.

"It's an act of the environment, some of the nuisances that are put on the earth to test us.

"I wish to God it was something we could do, but they will come back.'' GOVERNMENT GVT