Last week, a statement from the government said delays in attending to bush cutting throughout the territory was because it (the government) was changing the way these contracts are awarded. This is so the territory remains compliant with recommendations made in the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report.

Speaking at a press conference last week, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said despite the delays, the government is using the opportunity to improve the bush-cutting exercise and is working on the necessary documents to hire bush cutters through the Public Works Department on a regularly basis.

“That should be starting shortly. It’s just a matter of getting the Cabinet paper to the House [of Assembly]. So as opposed to having bush-cutting once, twice, three times a year, we’re trying to see if we can do it year round. Instead of the guys not being able to do anything for a long period in the year, they will have a steady income and be gainfully employed,” Premier Wheatley explained.

He added that the government also intends for the hired persons to do general beautification activities such as curb-side painting.

“That’s the goal. I think the place will be cleaner in the long run and will be better for the guys actually doing the work,” Premier Wheatley said.

The absence of regular bush cutting has been a long-standing concern for many residents who complain that overgrown shrubs are unsafe and unsightly.

But the programme experienced further halts after the recent COI report recommended the revamping of the process used to award contracts like bush-cutting, for greater transparency.