C'River Env. Ministry Proposes Intensive Sensitisation Before Monthly Sanitation ... Fingers CUDA For Waste Management
Hannah Arikpo
The Cross River state Ministry of Environment has proposed plans to intensify efforts towards sensitising the public for effective participation of the government backed monthly sanitation programme in the state.
The Team Lead of this month's Sanitation, Mr. Ugumanim Dien Ugumanim, stated this during the supervision of the April's monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the Calabar Metropolis.He explained that the renewed Sensitisation is designed to curb resistance against the exercise and as well ensure one hundred percent compliance.
Ugumanim, who doubles as the Director Environmental Health in the ministry pointed out, the engagement of Community-based town criers, Public address system among others to notify the public two weeks before each Sanitation day. He praised members of the public who turned up for the exercise, especially, traders at the Ikot Ishie market while defaulters at the Marian market had their wares seized.
"Environmental Sanitation is a routine exercise in the state on the last Saturday of every month. We have to reinforce and intensify awareness. Everybody is expected to stay at home and work on your surroundings between the hours of 7am- 10am. The resistance from some people today is an indication that the ministry has to reinforce." He stated.
At 8miles- Agro field market, the sanitation team was shocked to find traders in serious business.
Despite vehicular movement during the sanitation hours due to the JAMB examination, residents were seen cleaning their environment while the ministry's truck was busy evacuating refuse at the Army junction axis.
On waste disposal, Ugumanim, announced that the Calabar Urban Development Authority is responsible for waste disposal in Cross River state.
Speaking, Director Environmental Quality Control and Standard Enforcement, Mr Akpa Agbor Akpa, states, "In Cross River, markets generally are handled by the local government sanitation control teams who liase with waste Consultants to ensure regular disposal waste."
