Trees Destroyed By Road Works To Be Replanted

The Antigua Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project is well underway with construction work steadily progressing on both Sir George Walter Highway and Friars Hill Road. In an effort to ensure that the environment is protected, the Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) and the Department of Environment are engaging in a collaborative tree replanting exercise. A total of four trees have been deemed an impediment to the successful implementation of the Road Project; two mahogany trees, a red cedar tree and a tamarind tree.

Pursuant to Section 58 of the Environmental Protection and Management Act 2015, the Department of Environment has granted conditional permission for the removal of these trees, which are considered to be protected wildlife. The trees can only be removed if the following conditions are met:

1. Removal must be under the direction of the Forestry Unit.
2. Efforts should be made to replant at least three trees for each adult tree removed.
3. Under the principle of sustainable use, the Department of Environment request that the timber from the removed trees be used to make furniture for public facilities; and
4. Should any of the trees be located on private property, final approval must be sought by the property owner.

PIMU Project Coordinator Dennis Cudjoe emphasized that environmental protection is critical and said, “We are cognizant that the citizens and residents of Antigua and Barbuda treasure protected wildlife and we are happy that the guidance we have received from the Department of Environment will enable us to facilitate a tree planting exercise that will benefit the nation.”

Two trees on Friars Hill Road have been removed so far and another tree on Sir George Walter Highway is scheduled to be removed from July 26-July 28. All necessary traffic management measures related to the removal will be shared with the public.

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