Public works teams were applauded for their hard work clearing roads and public spaces in the aftermath of Hurricane Ernesto.

A government spokesman said that the Department of Parks and the Department of Works and Engineering had worked diligently since the storm to clear debris, restore public spaces and ensure beaches and parks were accessible for residents and visitors.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, said: “The men and women of these departments have shown dedication in the wake of Hurricane Ernesto.

“Their swift action has helped clear debris and ensure that our infrastructure remains safe and functional.

“The prompt assessment and reopening of the Causeway and the ongoing work across the island are a testament to their hard work and commitment to the people of Bermuda.”

The government spokesman said: “Crews from the Parks Department and the Highways Section within Works and Engineering were deployed to assess the damage in eight predetermined zones across the island.

“A phased approach to the clean-up was employed. Areas included main roads, rest homes, parklands, schools and clinics.

“There were major tree obstructions at Orange Valley Devonshire, Four Ways in Warwick, Crow Lane and Chaplin Bay.

“There was also a major clean-up at Watford Bridge in Somerset; South Road, near John Smith's Bay; and Horseshoe Bay Beach in Southampton.

“Additionally, teams focused on removing piled-up debris along the road edges, sidewalks and temporary dump sites, and clearing vegetation and fallen trees.”

The spokesman added that while the ministry had done much to clean areas across the island, members of the public had a duty to do their part by trimming overhanging trees and branches, particularly those that could obstruct pedestrians or motorists.

“Residents are required to keep their roadside hedges neatly trimmed,” he said. “While a courteous reminder will be given, if there is a clear danger to safe passage, Public Works will step in to cut the problematic trees, and the property owner will be charged $1,000 per hour for the service.”

The ministry has temporarily waived the usual fees for dumping horticultural waste in the wake of Hurricane Ernesto, which hit the island as a Category 1 on Saturday.

Members of the public will be able to leave horticultural waste at the Marsh Folly facility in Pembroke without fees until this Friday.