By Sylvia Okoi
The Cross River State Government has intensified its environmental sanitation campaign with a crackdown on illegal structures obstructing drainage channels, ordering an immediate clean-up of markets and warning that activities capable of worsening flooding will no longer be tolerated.
The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses John Osogi, gave the warning during the July edition of the monthly statewide environmental sanitation exercise held on Saturday across Calabar Metropolis.
The exercise commenced at 7:00 a.m. from the Ministry of Environment headquarters and covered several parts of Calabar Municipality and Calabar South before culminating at Marian Market.
At Marian Market, Hon. Osogi led a comprehensive inspection during which several illegal shops and makeshift structures erected outside the designated market and on drainage channels were identified and removed as part of the government’s efforts to prevent flooding and improve environmental sanitation.
“We have consistently encouraged traders to keep their market environment clean. A clean market benefits everyone, and maintaining proper sanitation is a collective responsibility,” the Commissioner said.
He noted that the illegal structures had obstructed the free flow of water, contributing significantly to flooding in the area. Expressing dissatisfaction with the unsanitary condition of the market, he directed traders to immediately clean their business premises.
“Our enforcement activities will continue beyond sanitation days. We will visit markets regularly to ensure that traders maintain clean surroundings and comply with environmental regulations,” he stated.
The Commissioner spent several hours supervising the exercise to ensure full compliance with the sanitation directives.
He also inspected the erosion-ravaged section of Ibesikpo by Edibe Edibe Road, where severe gully erosion has split the road into two, posing a serious threat to motorists and residents. He assured that the Ministry would continue to monitor vulnerable locations and collaborate with relevant agencies to tackle erosion and other environmental challenges across the state.
Residents actively participated in cleaning their surroundings throughout the sanitation period and commended the state government’s sustained commitment to environmental cleanliness. Many described the monthly sanitation exercise as a vital initiative that continues to improve public hygiene across the metropolis.
Meanwhile, defaulters who violated the environmental sanitation laws, including the restriction of movement and other regulations, were apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the Cross River State Environmental Sanitation Law.
The exercise was attended by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Hon. Patrick Egede, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Rosemary Onah, directors and heads of departments, members of the Special Environment Taskforce, representatives of non-governmental organisations, security personnel and volunteers.
