The Cross River State Commissioner for Environment, Barrister Bassey Offiong Mensah, has declared the State Government’s readiness to restore its sanitary standards and return the environment to the level of cleanliness for which it was once renowned.
The Commissioner made this known while addressing journalists shortly after the August edition of the statewide environmental sanitation exercise. He stressed the need for residents to take environmental hygiene more seriously.
Mensah expressed concern that, despite the restriction of movement between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., some residents were still seen engaging in activities such as trading and playing football during the sanitation hours. He warned that the exercise would not achieve its intended purpose if residents continued to flout the stipulated time frame, emphasising that government directives must be strictly obeyed.
He appealed to residents to cultivate the habit of regularly cleaning their surroundings, noting that environmental sanitation should be a daily responsibility rather than an activity undertaken only when government enforcement is imminent. According to him, “cleanliness is next to godliness,” and residents must become more environmentally conscious.
The Commissioner, however, commended residents and traders in certain areas, particularly at 8 Miles and Marian Market—for their improved compliance during the exercise.
He cautioned traders against displaying or selling goods on roadways, stressing that street trading would not be tolerated by the Government.
He also raised concerns about traders operating beneath high-tension power lines, describing the practice as extremely dangerous, and urged them to relocate to safer locations. Mensah disclosed that the government plans to set up mobile courts around markets to enforce environmental regulations and sanction offenders.
On waste evacuation, he explained that the government is collaborating with relevant waste management authorities to ensure that collected refuse is properly removed from sanitation sites.
He further revealed that the Ministry would sustain the statewide environmental sanitation exercise while making necessary adjustments to enhance its effectiveness.
“The ultimate goal is to return Cross River State to what it used to be,” the Commissioner said, reiterating that maintaining a clean and healthy environment requires the collective effort of both the government and citizens.
He called for stronger collaboration among environmental organisations and stakeholders, and commended the Ratel Movement for its continued demonstration of sportsmanship through its environmental initiatives.
Some residents who spoke in separate interviews applauded the Commissioner’s efforts and expressed confidence in his ability to effectively deliver on his mandate.
At the time of filing this report, defaulters were being prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the state.
