Cross River Intensifies Anti-Flood Campaign, Targets Illegal Structures
By Ebi COLLINS
The Cross River State Government has stepped up its anti-flood campaign with a renewed crackdown on illegal structures obstructing drainage channels across Calabar Metropolis, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure from the devastating impact of flooding.
Leading the July edition of the monthly statewide environmental sanitation exercise on Saturday, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses John Osogi, warned that the government would no longer tolerate activities that impede the free flow of water or undermine ongoing efforts to build a cleaner, safer and more resilient environment.
The exercise, which commenced at 7:00 a.m. from the Ministry of Environment headquarters, covered several parts of Calabar Municipality and Calabar South before culminating at Marian Market, where the Commissioner personally supervised enforcement activities.
At the market, Hon. Osogi identified several illegal shops and makeshift structures erected outside the designated market and directly on drainage channels. The structures were clamped down on as part of the state’s intensified strategy to keep waterways clear and reduce the risk of flooding.
“We have consistently encouraged traders to keep their market environment clean. A clean market is beneficial to everyone, and maintaining proper sanitation is a collective responsibility,” the Commissioner said.
He noted that the illegal structures had significantly obstructed the free flow of water, contributing to persistent flooding in the area, and directed traders to immediately clean their business premises.
Hon. Osogi stressed that environmental enforcement would no longer be restricted to the monthly sanitation exercise, disclosing that the Ministry would carry out regular inspections of markets and other public spaces to ensure sustained compliance with environmental regulations.
“Our enforcement activities will continue beyond sanitation days. We will visit markets regularly to ensure that traders maintain clean surroundings and comply with environmental regulations,” he stated.
In furtherance of the state’s proactive environmental management efforts, the Commissioner also inspected the erosion-ravaged section of Ibesikpo by Edibe Edibe Road, where severe gully erosion has split the road into two, posing a serious threat to motorists and nearby residents. He assured that the Ministry would continue to monitor vulnerable locations and collaborate with relevant agencies to address erosion and other environmental challenges across the state.
Residents across the metropolis actively participated in cleaning their surroundings during the sanitation exercise, with many commending the Governor Bassey Edet Otu administration for sustaining the monthly programme, which they described as instrumental in improving environmental hygiene and promoting public health.
Meanwhile, defaulters who violated the state’s environmental sanitation laws, including the restriction of movement during the exercise and other environmental regulations, were apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the Cross River State Environmental Sanitation Law.
The exercise was attended by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Hon. Patrick Egede; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Rosemary Onah; directors and heads of departments of the ministry; members of the Special Environment Taskforce; representatives of non-governmental organisations; and volunteers.
