Residents say Today's Watering of Plants on Friars Hill Road is Irresponsible use of Scarce Water

Motorists along the Friars Hill Road after 1 p.m. today, Monday, are expressing disbelief about what they claim they saw: the plants along the highway being watered.

Complaining that the island has been in a severe drought for many months now, one woman is asking why these plants – all ornamental – are being treated as a priority above households.  And in a lighthearted – though possibly sarcastic – moment, she said she hoped that the revelers from Saturday's T-shirt Mas have had running water at home to launder their thongs.

Another person points out that, given the volume of rain on Sunday – which was heavy enough to force the postponement of Junior Carnival until midweek – there was no reason to water the roadside plants on Monday.

It is not clear which entity – private or public – is charged with watering these plants.  But, either way, it was an irresponsible use of the scarce commodity at a time like this, the complaining residents say.

Meanwhile, others are asking when the Browne Administration plans to remove the overhead power lines and run them underground, as was promised when the planting of the palms took place.  

At the time, horticulturists had pointed out that – if they survived the weather and straying animals – the palms’ natural growth would see them entangling with the power lines.

Some sources are claiming that these lines are not live.  But if that is the case, others ask, why have them standing there at all – especially in the hurricane season?

The planting of expensive palms and hibiscus bushes along a short stretch of that highway was touted by the Ministry of Works as part of its beautification campaign.  

However, despite the Government allegedly owning a plant nursery on the outskirts of St. John’s, the campaign appears to have gone no further on any other main road since.