C' River Gov't Moves To Reclaim Calabar's Green, Serene Status As It Sets Up TaskForce
By Ekanem ASUQUO
The Cross River State Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Bassey Mensah, has charged members of the Special Task Force on Environment to restore Calabar's green and serene status by tackling practices that undermine the city's environmental quality.
Mensah gave the charge while inaugurating a 30 member task force mandated to intensify advocacy and sensitisation, enforce environmental regulations and address activities threatening the city's walkways, green areas and drainage systems.
He blamed recent flooding in the state capital on improper waste disposal, particularly the practice of dumping refuse into drainage channels during rainfall.
Mensah said indiscriminate waste disposal and the conversion of pedestrian walkways into illegal markets along major roads had diminished Calabar's reputation as one of Nigeria's cleanest, greenest and most serene cities.
He said, "The indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainages and the conversion of pedestrian walkways to illegal markets around major roads across our state capital have robbed us of our clean, green and serene status. It is time to reclaim our enviable status."
The task force, headed by retired Commander Maurice Eyo Asuquo, is expected to enforce environmental laws and sanitation regulations, curb street trading and illegal refuse disposal, protect green verges and drainage channels, monitor sanitation on roads, in markets and motor parks, and educate residents on responsible environmental practices.
Mensah directed the team to commence public advocacy and sensitisation ahead of full enforcement scheduled to begin on September 14.
During an inspection of major environmental flashpoints, he led members of the task force to Atimbo Roundabout, IBB, Edim Otop, CUDA, Etta Agbor Roundabout and Rabana Junction, where illegal trading points and structures obstructing pedestrian walkways were dismantled.
At Atimbo, traders occupying walkways with tables, kiosks, POS stands and outdoor displays were directed to relocate to the nearby market.
Mensah said the obstructions forced pedestrians into traffic and exposed road users, particularly wheelchair users and others with mobility challenges, to avoidable danger. He warned that offenders who returned to the affected areas could face prosecution and confiscation of their goods.
At Marian Market, Mensah, accompanied by the Mayor of Calabar, Apostle James Anam, inspected the pedestrian bridge and Ediba Road axis, where traders were cautioned against obstructing walkways. Tricycle and mini bus operators were also urged to operate in an orderly manner.
The commissioner also inspected the Margaret Ekpo International Airport Field and the field along IBB behind the airport, directing footballers to stop using reserved green areas for training.
He said reclaiming the spaces would preserve vegetation, improve air quality, support storm water management and help maintain a cooler urban environment.
Mensah warned food vendors against dumping or burning refuse on the fields, stressing that government had invested in planting and maintaining the green areas.
He said damaged green spaces would be restored, while violators could face fines, prosecution, mandatory cleanup and other remediation measures.
Mensah urged residents, traders, business owners and other stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that a clean, orderly and environmentally friendly Calabar was essential to the state's ambition of strengthening the city as a major tourism destination.
THE BEAGLE NEWS
