The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its determination to restore the Cross River environmental sanitation standards and reclaim its reputation for cleanliness.
The Commissioner for Environment, Barrister Bassey Offiong Mensah, disclosed this while addressing journalists shortly after the August edition of the statewide environmental sanitation exercise.
Mensah stressed the need for residents to take environmental hygiene seriously, noting that maintaining a clean environment should be a shared responsibility between government and citizens.
Commissioner Warns Residents Against Flouting Sanitation Hours
The Commissioner expressed concern that some residents continued to engage in activities such as trading and playing football during the sanitation period despite the restriction of movement between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
He warned that the objectives of the exercise could be undermined if residents continued to disregard the stipulated sanitation hours.
According to him, government directives must be obeyed to ensure that the environmental sanitation programme achieves its intended purpose.
Sanitation Should Be a Daily Responsibility
Mensah urged residents to develop the habit of regularly cleaning their homes, business premises and surroundings rather than waiting for government enforcement.
He emphasised that environmental sanitation should be a daily responsibility and not an activity carried out only when a government exercise is scheduled.
Quoting the popular saying that “cleanliness is next to godliness,” the Commissioner called on residents to become more environmentally conscious.
Commissioner Commends Improved Compliance
Despite the reported violations, Mensah commended residents and traders in some areas for their improved compliance with the sanitation exercise.
He specifically acknowledged improved compliance around 8 Miles and Marian Market, urging other communities and business owners to emulate the example.
Government Moves Against Street Trading
The Commissioner warned traders against displaying or selling goods on roadways, stressing that street trading would not be tolerated by the state government.
He also expressed concern over traders operating beneath high-tension electricity lines, describing the practice as extremely dangerous.
Mensah urged affected traders to relocate to safer locations to prevent avoidable accidents and protect lives and property.
Mobile Courts to Enforce Environmental Laws
To strengthen enforcement, the Commissioner disclosed plans by the government to establish mobile courts around markets.
According to him, the initiative will help ensure that environmental regulations are enforced and offenders are appropriately sanctioned in accordance with the laws of the state.
Government Addresses Waste Evacuation
On waste evacuation, Mensah explained that the Ministry is collaborating with relevant waste management authorities to ensure that refuse collected during the sanitation exercise is properly evacuated from designated sanitation sites.
He said the government would continue to monitor waste management activities to prevent the accumulation of refuse and maintain cleaner communities.
Sanitation Exercise to Continue
The Commissioner further disclosed that the statewide environmental sanitation exercise would be sustained, with necessary adjustments introduced to improve its effectiveness.
He said the ultimate objective of the government is to restore Cross River State to the level of cleanliness and environmental order for which it was once widely recognised.
“The ultimate goal is to return Cross River State to what it used to be,” Mensah said.
He emphasised that achieving the objective would require the collective efforts of government agencies, residents, traders, environmental organisations and other stakeholders.
Government Commends Ratel Movement
Mensah also called for stronger collaboration among environmental organisations and stakeholders across the state.
He commended the Ratel Movement for its continued demonstration of sportsmanship through its environmental initiatives and encouraged other groups to contribute to efforts aimed at improving environmental cleanliness.
Residents Applaud Commissioner’s Efforts
Some residents who spoke in separate interviews commended the Commissioner’s efforts and expressed confidence in his ability to deliver on his mandate.
They urged the government to sustain the enforcement of environmental regulations while ensuring that residents are adequately sensitised about their responsibilities.
Sanitation Defaulters Face Prosecution
At the time of filing this report, some defaulters were being prosecuted in accordance with the environmental laws of Cross River State.
The government has continued to stress that maintaining a clean, safe and healthy environment requires sustained cooperation between authorities and citizens.
Cross River’s renewed sanitation drive is therefore expected to combine public sensitisation, regular sanitation exercises and stricter enforcement to restore environmental standards across the state.
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