C’River Inaugurates Taskforce Against Illegal Parking, Rickety Structures in Odukpani
By Hannah ARIKPO
In a bid to extend the esthetic value and beautification of the state capital to other parts of the state, the Cross River Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Obol Moses Osogi has inaugurated a fifteen member taskforce to clear Odukpani junction of unauthorised parking and rickety structures with a charge to shun Favouritism.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Bar. Mrs Rosemary Onah who performed the inauguration on behalf of the Commissioner advised members to always operate in accordance with the terms of reference establishing the taskforce warning that many taskforce members in time past, had lost their jobs due to compromise at the course of their duty.
The Permanent Secretary noted the timely intervention of the emergence of the taskforce to restore sanity and cleanliness at the Odukpani which she described as the gateway to the state capital. Onah commended the efforts of the state Urban Renewal Agency for evolving strategies to sustain the clean and green status of Cross River.
"I congratulate you for your appointment into this special taskforce. I want to assure you all of government support, you must be conscious of the terms of reference of this taskforce as you carry out your duties effectively", the PS admonished.
Director-General, Cross River state Urban Renewal Agency, Hon. Enefiok Inyang, condemned the unorganised, poorly arranged structures at the Odukpani junction emphasizing that the taskforce is responsible for the clearance of illegal structures, no parking at the fly-over by trucks as well as the general sanitation of other parts of the state.
He thanked the state Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu and the Commissioner for Environment for graciously approving the setting up of a high profile taskforce to maintain the status of Cross River as a tourism state.
"Taskforce members must ensure, no parking at the fly-over, illegal parking by trucks while rickety structures must be pulled down. I urge you to work responsibly, conscious of the fact that you are representing the state Urban Renewal Agency, the Ministry of Environment and the Cross River state government," Inyang advised.
Special Adviser on Urban Beautification and Development, Hon. Pst. Essien Eyo noted the importance of the role of taskforce members in protecting infrastructure and Beautification of the environment of any society pointing out that the operation of the taskforce to clear Odukpani junction of unauthorised parking and rickety structures is not only limited to Odukpani alone but extended to other urban centres of the state.
Director Administration, Hon Josephine Eni and Apst Nninniong Ibita warn taskforce members against rascality, favouritism and to always thread with caution.
