The Cross River State Government has directed mechanics operating without designated workshops along Bedwell, Kings, White House and Victor Akan Streets in Calabar South to vacate the areas, as part of efforts to restore environmental sanity and improve traffic flow in the area. The Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Bassey Offiong Mensah, gave the directive on Monday during a meeting with auto parts dealers in his office in Calabar. He explained that the continued use of the streets for mechanic activities had constituted an environmental nuisance, obstructed traffic and contributed to the deterioration and defacement of the environment. Barr. Mensah clarified that the directive was not targeted at legitimate auto parts businesses, but was aimed at separating auto parts trading from mechanic activities being carried out on the streets. He urged auto parts dealers to focus on their legitimate trade, while mechanics should operate from properly designated workshops where their activities can be regulated without obstructing traffic or degrading the environment. The Commissioner stressed that the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu remains committed to restoring environmental sanity across the State. Responding, the Chairman of Auto Parts Dealers, Mr. Felix Odigwe, acknowledged the environmental concerns raised by the Government and agreed on the need for traders to maintain clean and orderly surroundings within their business areas. Odigwe expressed the dealers’ readiness to support measures aimed at protecting the environment and assured the Commissioner of the association’s commitment to discouraging practices that could contribute to environmental degradation or obstruct public roads. The meeting ended with a shared commitment between the Ministry and the auto parts dealers to work together towards achieving a cleaner, safer and more orderly city.
Sylvia Okoi
