Joint Tree Trimming Initiative This Weekend

July 20, 2021

As Bermuda progresses through hurricane season 2021, the Ministry of Public Works is taking the opportunity to highlight a joint initiative currently underway by members of the Emergency Measures Organization [EMO].

A Government spokesperson said, “As Bermuda progresses through hurricane season 2021, the Ministry of Public Works is taking the opportunity to highlight a joint initiative currently underway by members of the Emergency Measures Organization [EMO].

“Over the next several weeks, the Royal Bermuda Regiment [RBR], Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited [BELCO], the Departments of Parks and Works and Engineering and the Disaster Risk Reduction & Mitigation Unit [DRRM] will be involved in a tree trimming initiative aimed at cutting back trees in storm prone problem areas.

“This weekend [July 24 and 25], the first set of works will begin, with teams from Parks, BELCO, and the RBR trimming trees on the South Shore Road Southampton and Warwick areas. In that regard the public’s patience is encouraged while these works are underway.

Today the Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch said “As the old saying goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. So the EMO members have combined their resources to address specific areas around the island where storm force winds can topple tall trees and create greater problems during our post storm cleanup efforts. This is part of our preventative efforts in the event of a serious storm or hurricane. And these measures can prevent future power outages, road closures and extensive cleanup.”

“The Minister is also encouraging the public through this initiative to take this opportunity to trim back any overhanging trees on their own properties.

“And to help incentivise the public in their pre-hurricane preparations, the Ministry of Public Works, is opening the Marsh Folly Site this weekend [Saturday July 24 and Sunday 25], from 7.30am to 4.00pm for the free dumping of any horticultural waste.

Minister Burch said, “I am urging the public to work with us. Start this weekend. Identify your problem areas, contact your landscaper and let’s all work together to limit our risk by cleaning up in advance.”

A Bermuda Electric Light Company Ltd. spokesperson said, “BELCO would like to remind the public that it is important to be safe while trimming your trees. It is critically important to remember to call BELCO if you are trimming trees within 10 feet of a power line to arrange for the power to be disconnected.”

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Category: All, Environment

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