“We can’t do everything,” warns a technical services agent, somewhat scalded by the reproaches of a Landerneau resident. The latter, Gilles Meurice, expresses his incomprehension at the strategy of salting and sanding only the main traffic routes. While “the sidewalks are made slippery, access to the stairwells of the social housing is becoming dangerous with the accumulated ice, and no one dares to use the footbridge that spans the northern ring road on the Mescoat side.” And this keen walker questions the responsibilities of the city or the social housing offices in the event of a fall resulting in injuries.
Priority to the hospital road
Inadmissible accusation, reacts Jean-Jacques Boniz. The deputy for works and security even returns the ball: “Unless the city is at fault, the law explains that it is up to each citizen to clean in front of their property. In the case of a private building, it is up to the operator to ensure the safety of residents.” The fact remains that some sidewalks belong to the city. When in doubt, it is better to refrain from walking on the cobblestones of the Quai de Cornouaille at the moment. Because Jean-Jacques Boniz is not deviating from his roadmap: “The priority is to try to maintain traffic on priority roads. Starting with access to the hospital.” Since Monday morning, the bends of Ferdinand-Grall have absorbed salt, allowing firefighters to access the hospital after a more perilous weekend. Adding the main arteries in the north and centre of the city, “27 tonnes of salt were spread in one week. There is still as much in stock and we have just ordered 25 more tonnes”. Less worry about sand supplies. All you have to do is help yourself to the banks. “The technical services have already spread 27 tonnes. Mainly on bridges, structures corrosive to salt”, the deputy explains.
A blade for the next wave
On deck, this is precisely how 14 technical agents have been since the beginning of the week: “They take turns on the four machines mobilized: a sander (or salter) followed by a resupply vehicle. Their hours? First pass the day before, between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.; second pass the next day, from 5:30 a.m.” Overtime that they will make up for when the cold snap finally sets in. “This exceptional climatic episode does not justify the purchase of snow plows. But based on the lessons learned at the moment, it seems useful to me to acquire a blade.” Much more effective at removing snow than the technical agents’ shovels. Last night, however, they had to make do with it.
