Mid-Day Opinion: Fallen trees need to be cleared off roads quickly

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As our trees keel over and fall with winds, besides a number of other factors literally ripping them out of the ground, those responsible are busy chopping the wood and carting them out of the way. They are piling them up into vehicles and moving branches off the roads.

There is considerable pressure, given the number of tree falls that have happened across the city. Yet, those in charge of those trees, clearing the way for roads and pavements, need to ensure that this is done quickly so that fallen trees do not continue to lie on roads for days and even a month after the collapse.

While some branches, etc., may be removed to allow vehicular access from the middle of the road, the tree trunk, etc, is sometimes moved to the side and left there for several days.

Some wires that may have come down with the branches can be seen coiled within the greenery for quite a while.

It is important that laypersons do not try to move the foliage or tree branches themselves.

This may be dangerous, given that wires may be embedded at times and something may give way. Keep some distance from the site and try to get around as best as you can.

Those responsible must look at not just handling the fallen tree, but also consider the entire job done when the area is totally cleared up.

While obstacles to vehicles may be removed, the fallen tree parts impede pedestrians whose space is already compromised by encroached or unusable footpaths. Finish up and sign off only after every aspect is taken care of.