…Orders Closure of Eight Miles Roadside Markets
As part of preparations for the Yuletide celebrations and Carnival Calabar 2025, the Cross River State Government, through the Ministry of Environment, has intensified sanitary measures across the state.
This was disclosed during the November edition of the statewide environmental sanitation exercise in Calabar. According to the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, 'it has become imperative to upscale sanitation due to the expected influx of tourists who will troop into the state for the festive season".
Hon. Osogi noted that the ministry is working tirelessly to ensure that tourists and visitors enjoy the serene and clean environment for which the state is known.
At the Eight Miles Flyover, the Commissioner ordered the closure of roadside markets, insisting on the need for a free flow of human and vehicular traffic along major streets in the metropolis. He explained that indiscriminate trading on pedestrian walkways not only obstructs movement but also constitutes an environmental nuisance.
The Commissioner also expressed displeasure over environmental violations and poor sanitary conditions at the abattoir in Marian. During his inspection of the slaughterhouse, he described the environment as unhealthy for both workers and consumers of its products. He queried the management for their non compliance with sanitation regulations.
Osogi further noted that the November sanitation exercise marks the last for the year 2025, but assured that other environmental activities such as: desilting of drainages, waste evacuation, and pruning of worn out trees will continue to maintain the state’s clean status.
The Commissioner led the Environmental Task Force, ministry staff, NGOs, volunteers, and security personnel through major streets in Calabar, arresting offenders and impounding vehicles belonging to sanitation defaulters.
In separate interviews, some residents expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts to improve the living conditions of citizens.
At the time of filing this report, defaulters were being tried at the state’s mobile courts.
Sylvia Okoi
