AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Trees cut by BEL causes concern

A few weeks ago Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) engaged in the cutting of all trees along their power lines from near the WASA Lagoon to the southern end of the island. The trees that were cut down for miles, were left to dry along the edge of the road under the power lines. Not only are residents complaining about the sight of uncollected debris but it has become a fire hazard to the businesses and people that has properties along the power lines.

Speaking to The San Pedro Sun, one resident complained that BEL sent their workmen to cut the trees without any knowledge of how to trim trees. Residents say that they were not notified by BEL and in some instances the incorrect pruning has not only killed some of the trees but they are now drying up along with branches left under the power line forming a long chain of brown, dry debris. To make matters worse, the "awful sight" of dead branches and dying trees leaves a "bad taste for our tourists," claims an angry resident. Amongst the trees killed by the crewmen of BEL are those that are used for landscaping at resorts and private residents, healthy producing coconut trees, other blooming fruit trees and mangroves.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun

It is horrible what they did! I have photos of the brown dying trees for miles. I don't see why they can't clean up afterwards. Why can't they invest in a bloody wood chipper!?

Sadly this is not the first time, nor will it be the last. They simply do not care.

They did this up north but did post signs well ahead of time and even stopped and talked to me about my Sappodillo and Mahogany trees.
This downed stuff makes excellent land fill! Why can't they truck it to San Mateo?

They clear off a bit every year but they went to extremes this year.

Here's an idea, why not bury the cables then there is no need for cutting vegetation. Just a thought....

Because it cost about 5 times as much ?


HP

the water table might be too high to bury cables.

Currently the water table is over the road in a number of spots in our area down south.

Technically it is probably expected that the land owners keep the vegetation low - which doesn't happen so BEL has to come in do this whack job in order to ensure that the entire island doesn't lose power due to trees hitting the lines when we have squalls.

So many of us want to enjoy using the roads and easements with avenues of trees and vegetation - I watch people planting trees in the roadways and under the major power lines all of the time - I have given up saying anything as they won't listen and think I am being mean - eventually the trees are removed forcibly.

I hated seeing the trees all hacked and turning brown, but I know after a few rains it will all break down (just like it always does.) There are new sprouts all over the chopped up areas already.