The Cross River State Government has vowed to restore the state’s reputation as one of the cleanest in Nigeria, with Calabar leading the drive.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Bassey Offiong Mensah, made this known on Saturday while speaking to journalists at the end of the August edition of the monthly statewide sanitation exercise.
Mensah said government is determined to bring back the sanitary standards the state was once known for, but stressed that success will depend on residents obeying the rules.
He expressed disappointment that despite the restriction of movement from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., some residents were still seen trading and playing football during sanitation hours.
“The exercise will not achieve its intended purpose if residents continue to flout the stipulated time frame. Government directives must be strictly obeyed,” he warned.
The Commissioner urged citizens to make environmental hygiene a daily habit rather than waiting for enforcement days. “Cleanliness is next to godliness. Our people must become more environmentally conscious,” he said.
Mensah, however, praised residents and traders in 8 Miles and Marian Market for showing better compliance during the exercise.
He cautioned against street trading and displaying goods on roadways, noting that it will no longer be tolerated. He also described trading under high-tension power lines as “extremely dangerous” and called on traders in such areas to move to safer locations.
To strengthen enforcement, the Commissioner disclosed that the ministry plans to establish mobile courts around major markets to try offenders on the spot.
On waste evacuation, he said the ministry is working with waste management agencies to ensure refuse gathered during sanitation is cleared without delay.
He added that the statewide sanitation exercise will continue with adjustments aimed at improving results.
“The ultimate goal is to return Cross River State to what it used to be. Maintaining a clean and healthy environment requires the collective effort of both government and citizens,” Mensah stated.
He called for stronger collaboration with environmental groups and commended the Ratel Movement for its consistent support of environmental initiatives.
Some residents who spoke with journalists lauded the Commissioner’s efforts and expressed optimism that he will deliver on the mandate.
At the time of filing this report, defaulters arrested during the exercise were being prosecuted in accordance with state environmental laws.
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