The issue of overgrown bush on the roadside in the Territory has been a cause of concern for some time. Photo: Team of Reporters

The bush cutters have complained that heavy rainfall across the Territory contributes to the quick regrowth of the bush along the roadside. Photo: Team of Reporters

DWM Director Mr. Marcus E. Solomon acknowledged that the frequency of rainfall has created an issue and recommended the bush be cut every two weeks once government resources are available. Photo: GIS/File

Many areas from West End to East End of Tortola and the sister islands have seen crews actively cutting bushes along the roads, which continue to pose a driving hazard. In some regions, this has resulted in the Territory resembling a jungle.

Too much rain?

However, the challenge seems to be the frequent rains. This year’s rainy season has been long and consistent with rainfalls almost every other day for the past few months, October to December 2024.

Bush cutters complain that as soon as they cut in a few weeks the bushes grow back, hence it seems like some areas were never landscaped. Several areas in Road Town, Sea Cows Bay, Long Trench, Georges North Side, Virgin Gorda, and the western side of the island that have been cut within the past two to three weeks have started to grow back due to the plentiful rainfall.

This is causing a new challenge for the government in keeping up with bush cutting and keeping the Virgin Islands’ roads safe for locals and visitors.

DWM Director Mr. Marcus E. Solomon acknowledged that the frequency of rainfall has created an issue and recommended that during the rainy season, the “bush should be cut at least every two weeks once the Government has the resources”.