Shortly after assuming office, the Cross River State Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Bassey Mensah, undertook an on-the-spot assessment of landslide-prone areas in the Calabar Metropolis and Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The tour was aimed at evaluating the scale of environmental degradation and the extent of damage caused by recent landslides. During the exercise, the Commissioner visited several affected communities, including the landslide site at Anansa, where the disaster has led to widespread property destruction and the displacement of residents. He also inspected the ongoing desilting of a major drainage along the highway at WAPI Junction, a measure designed to channel surface runoff into Channel One, and toured the gully erosion site at Ikot Offiong Mbiang in Akpabuyo LGA. Speaking with journalists, Mensah cited heavy rainfall, slope overloading, erosion, and various human activities as key factors contributing to the occurrence of landslides. He affirmed that the Ministry would collaborate closely with technical experts to develop and implement appropriate interventions aimed at preventing further damage. Expressing deep concern over the situation, the Commissioner stressed the urgent need for remedial action to safeguard lives and property. He also commended Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for his unwavering commitment to strengthening environmental management in the state, pledging to give his best in delivering on the administration’s environmental agenda. Mensah was accompanied on the inspection by management staff of the Ministry of Environment and officials from the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP). In a related development, the Commissioner received a warm welcome from Ministry staff during a reception attended by heads of departments and agencies within the environment cluster, as well as the entire workforce. The event featured a brief service dedicating the Ministry’s activities and programmes to divine guidance.
By Sylvia Okoi
