New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says the city did not distribute sandbags to the public for ahead of Tropical Storm Barry because it ties up fire department resources, and because sand often ends up in the drainage system.
"That works against us," Cantrell said Friday when asked about the decision.
The city: We won’t be providing sandbags to residents because they could mess with S&WB’s drainage systemS&WB: pic.twitter.com/ZyVtBYL5cF
— Jeff Adelson (@jadelson)
July 13, 2019 But pictures of sandbags outside the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board's downtown office are raising eyebrows, and the ire of some people who took to social media to complain.
“These people are scum. Typical politicians- do what we say, not what we do.” —Jim Monaghan
— TierneyM (@TierneyM17)
July 13, 2019 This tells you everything you need to know about nola city officials
— J Dobbs ⚜️ (@dobbs_504)
July 13, 2019 "Sandbags for me, but not for thee"
— Given Up For All Seasons (@totallyballs)
July 13, 2019 pic.twitter.com/VJoYVG1uiZ
— 8AT the Watcher -- (@8AT19)
July 13, 2019 The mayor said residents who want to acquire sandbags from other sources were free to do so, and the Sewerage & Water Board echoed those comments.
@SWBNewOrleans @rrainey504: "We use sandbags there as an extra precaution, because we have sensitive equipment in the basement. Residents can go and get sandbags as well. Nobody is saying don't use sandbags. You can use them, but the city is not distributing them."
— Jessica Williams (@jwilliamsNOLA)
July 13, 2019
