For over 60 years, a grand flamboyant tree has stood in the heart of a garden concealed within a neighbourhood community on Santa Cruz Arona Street in the La Salud Alto district. Its roots intertwine with the soil it has been nurtured in by the property owners, who have acted as protectors of their small urban sanctuary.
After providing shade to this courtyard for decades, the tree is set to be removed tomorrow. The City Council of the capital informed residents last week that, following an examination of the tree, its roots are affected by fungi and cutting it down is deemed necessary. This decision is being challenged by the block’s owners, who are planning protests, even chaining themselves to the flamboyant to prevent its destruction.
The president of the neighbourhood community, Olga Rodríguez, stated to DIARIO DE AVISOS yesterday, “We will not permit city hall personnel to enter. The garden belongs to us; it is private property and we will not authorise arbitrary felling. The flamboyant is healthy, as confirmed by a technical report from an agricultural engineer, which contradicts the diagnosis of municipal technicians. This report, along with a complaint, has been submitted to the Parks and Gardens department.”
This report clarifies that “the roots do not pose a threat to the pavement, as it is located in a private garden, therefore it does not endanger anyone. Moreover, environmental activists will stand with us in this battle, as this tree is home to many bird nests that would disappear once it is cut down.”
The Public Services Department refrained from issuing a statement yesterday while awaiting a technical report on the said flamboyant tree.
