C' River Env. Commissioner Issues 2 Week Ultimatum To Roadside Mechanics, Street Traders
Hannah ARIKPO
The Cross River State Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Bassey Offiong Mensah, has slammed a 2week ultimatum on roadside mechanics and street traders operating along the road in the Calabar Metropolis to vacate such locations on or before October 31, 2026, or face sanctions.
Accompanied by the Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to the Governor on Auto Mobile Technician Regulatory Department, Calabar, Chief Ndem Effiong, the Environment Boss, handed down the warning during an on-the-spot inspection visit at White House, Bedwell and other adjoining streets. He directed the roadside mechanics to restrict their operations to designated workshops.
Mensah further expressed concern over the obstruction of humans, vehicular traffic and environmental defacement caused by activities of roadside mechanics.
He noted that residents in the affected areas had raised concerns about possible exposure to harmful chemicals associated with their operations, stressing the need to protect public health and restore environmental order.
"The government would no longer tolerate activities that could undermine environmental standards and public safety in the state." Mensah stated.
Barr. Mensah visited Bogobiri,Target and some commercial areas in the Calabar South local government area. He expressed dissatisfaction with the unhygienic condition of the area, cautioned street vendors against trading on the roads and sensitised them on the importance of maintaining clean business premises,
improved sanitation, and sensitised them on measures to protect customers from potential health hazards.
At a gully erosion site off Charmley Street, he assured residents of government's commitment towards addressing the challenge, noting that efforts would be expedited through collaboration with the Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB).
The Commissioner declared that the state must reclaim its environmental integrity, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate practices that undermine the state's reputation and the welfare of its residents.
He also visited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office, where he assured that measures would be taken to trim overgrown trees and replace old ones where necessary.
Addressing the Chairman and some Executive Members of the Tanker drivers Union, NNPC branch, at the harbour axis off the Murtala Mohammed Highway, near the NNPC depot, the SSA on Automobile Technicians Regulatory Department, Chief Ndem Effiong threatened to ensure any truck or car parked along the road, after the expiration of the ultimatum will be towed by government officials warning against practices that obstruct traffic and compromised environmental order.
He lamented that after several engagements with automobile operators which culminated in the signing of MOU, vehicles are seen littered on public roads. He stressed the need to separate vehicle sales from mechanic operations. Chief Effiong expressed dismay over the increasing environmental degradation resulting from the activities of mechanics operating along the streets.
The inspection was part of the Ministry's 7
ongoing efforts to restore Cross River State's clean and healthy environment through improved sanitation, enforcement of environmental regulations and sustained public sensitisation.
