....Vows to Recover Green Areas
The Cross River State Government has issued a 30-day ultimatum to all roadside traders in the metropolis to vacate unauthorized trading spots, warning that failure to comply will attract strict enforcement measures.
Commissioner for Environment, Barr Bassey Mensah, announced the directive in Calabar on Wednesday, following a resolution after a stakeholders engagement with Calabar South Local Government Council, Hon. Patrick Archibong, and councillors to address the environmental challenges confronting the area.
The exercise is part of efforts to restore sanity, ensure free flow of traffic and reclaim all designated green areas and public spaces that have been converted to markets.
Mensah vowed that after the expiration of the grace period, the Ministry in collaboration with relevant agencies and the local Government Area would commence demolition and recovery operations to return the areas to their original purpose for environmental sustainability and public safety.
The Honourable Commissioner expressed concern over the activities of roadside traders, particularly those operating along Watt Market, noting that the sanitary conditions in the area were worrisome.
He raised concerns about traders who sit in stagnant water to sell food items, stressing that the safety of both residents and traders remains paramount.
Expressing displeasure over the preference of some traders for roadside spaces despite the availability of adequate stalls within the market, he warned that no one is above the law and vowed to intensify efforts to curb illegal street trading.
On the degradation of green areas, Mensah described the situation as alarming and called for urgent action to recover and protect the state's green spaces.
He noted that some motor parks have been converted into markets, while shops and other structures are being erected on green areas, describing the development as a growing menace.
The Commissioner stressed the need to consolidate the gains made by previous administrations in urban beautification and environmental management in Cross River State.
On his part, the Chairman of Calabar South Local Government Council, Hon. Patrick Archibong, expressed concern over the level of environmental degradation and assured the Commissioner of his readiness to support efforts aimed at addressing unethical environmental practices.
Similarly, councillors representing various wards pledged their commitment to working with the Ministry of Environment to improve environmental management and urban beautification across Calabar South and the metropolis.
Shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner, accompanied by the Calabar South Chairman, councillors, heads of MDAs under the Environment Cluster, and staff of the Ministry of Environment, embarked on an on-the-spot assessment of some affected areas.
By Sylvia Okoi
