‘Programme To Manage Roadside Vegetation’
The Ministry of Public Works said they are “actively maintaining the Island’s roadways, with crews from the Department of Works and Engineering recently trimming trees and clearing overgrown vegetation at various locations across the Island.”
A Government spokesperson said, “This effort is part of an ongoing programme to manage roadside vegetation, enhancing road safety and maintaining clear sightlines for motorists.”
Minister of Public Works Lt. Col. David Burch commented on the initiative: “Our teams are dedicated to maintaining and improving our roadways by trimming overgrown trees and vegetation. We understand the importance of safe and accessible roads for our community and are committed to ongoing maintenance efforts.”
A Government spokesperson added, “The Ministry acknowledges public concerns regarding overgrown vegetation and emphasises that while Government efforts are underway, community involvement is essential.
“Residents are encouraged to play their part by maintaining vegetation on their properties and ensuring that overhanging branches or foliage do not impede roadways or sidewalks.”
The Minister added: “This collective effort will enhance the safety and appearance of our communities and ensure that our roads remain safe and accessible for everyone.”
A crew is trimming trees and clearing overgrown vegetation in Hamilton Parish recently:
In other words, Burch is saying W & E crews are at long last doing their jobs paid for by the taxpayer. Odd to see so many private companies out there doing the same job. Are they doing it for free? Unlikely so the taxpayer is getting screwed again. Before 1998 the roads and vegetation were under control, yet there has been no increase in the mileage or roadside. Says it all.
The roads are being paved after having been neglected for years (Col. Burch’s words) and now they are being made safe by trimming vegetation.
I will take such benefits. The alternative is to go back to not maintaining the roads and keeping them dangerous for pedestrians.
But are the roads being paved to handle the extra weight of our 70 Chinese e-buses with more to come, the 13 ministerial e-cars, and the wave of EVs the Government is pushing us to buy?
The roads are still a mess. Miles still need repaving and repainting.
I do think that homeowners can do more to keep the over-hanging trees from their properties cut back so that they do not obstruct the roadways.
Hey can you guys come around my job to write an article and take pictures of me and my colleagues… doing our jobs XD
Seriously? So we are supposed to give a huge thanks because they are doing a job they were hired to do in a timely manner and have not done so in a very long time?