BARBADIANS ARE COVERING UP – carelessly and indifferently – fire hydrants.
Acting Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard says people just park their cars on them; more hilariously – and even more sadly – plant their gardens around them. Clearly, there is gross ignorance of the importance and value of having an obstacle-free hydrant.
Chief Maynard thinks it’s time for a “renewed public awareness programme”. Without a doubt! It really ought not to be too hard to make the public aware why the hydrant is there. The challenge will be getting members to respect the hydrant’s presence.
Mr Maynard suggests that the public’s indifference might be fueled by the subtle image of the hydrant itself. It doesn’t stand out enough.
In other parts of the region, and the rest of the world, hydrants are above ground and fire-red. There isn’t the facility to park on them, and the illegal setting up of gardens around them would easily be noticeable to law-abiding citizens.
Mr Maynard would go for these more visible hydrants. These patent ones become covered with debris, argues the acting chief.
He may be putting practicality over the aesthetic; but this would be a matter for the Barbados Fire Service and the Town Planning Department.
What we are sure of is that the lack of seriousness about our fire hydrants cannot continue. And while the Fire Service is reminding citizens about the urgency and benefits of fire hydrants, it might encourage residents – and business owners – to adopt those near their properties, taking civic responsibility for keeping them clear, unparked upon and free from flower beds.
The civic-minded Bajans we are touted to be, we can, as neighbourhoods, step up to the hydrant and pledge to take care of one – at the very least – and call Acting Fire Chief Maynard and let him know.
