A while back, a car was crushed by a falling tree during a storm and the driver unfortunately lost his life. The authorities then embarked on a tree trimming rampage. I do not know if this was done with the intention of appearing pro-active given that the general elections was then not far off.
Since then, it is a common sight to see road crews going around trimming trees to such an extent that they are shorn almost bald. Sidewalks that used to be shaded from the sun are now exposed to the full glare of the sun. Roads which used to be green cool tunnels with tree branches arcing over from both sides of the road and meeting in the middle are now transformed into hot tarmac shimmering in the heat.
But if you will remember, a few years back, a schoolboy was killed by a falling lamp post. However, I didn't notice the authorities embarking on a lamp post checking frenzy :) In fact, for the entirety of my life when travelling along our roads, I've never had the privilege of EVER seeing a crew inspecting a lamp post. So, why the difference in reaction between an accident caused by a tree (an act of nature) and the one caused by a man made object (man's fault by poor maintenance)? Anyone?
Given that the probability of someone being killed by a falling tree or branch (one in ten years?) is far more unlikely than someone striking the lottery (usually at least one person a week) I would suggest that the authorities instead award the family of the unfortunate victim of a tree accident a million dollars, sponsored by Singapore Pools instead of going around vandalising our trees. The million dollars would serve to meet the family's financial needs a lot more than some grand gesture (or publicity stunt) of going around trimming trees which may or may not be posing a clear and present danger.
In the meantime, a lamp post is still leaning precariously somewhere in Singapore. If the authorities can only see past the trees, perhaps they will spot it. Hopefully by next week it will be fixed!
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