Cross River Inaugurates Environmental Task Force to Restore Cleanliness Across State
By Sylvia Okoi
The Cross River State Government has inaugurated a Special Environmental Task Force as part of renewed efforts to improve environmental cleanliness, enforce environmental laws and safeguard public health across the state.
The inauguration took place on Monday, with the Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Bassey Offiong Mensah, charging members of the task force to demonstrate dedication, integrity and selfless service in carrying out their responsibilities.
Commissioner Charges Task Force on Integrity
Speaking during the inauguration in his office, Mensah said the task force was carefully constituted with individuals of proven integrity and diverse professional backgrounds.
He noted that the enormous responsibilities of the Ministry of Environment could not be effectively handled by government alone, stressing the importance of collaboration and community participation in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
The Commissioner urged members to regard their appointment as both a privilege and a call to service, charging them to demonstrate their commitment through their conduct and performance.
Permanent Secretary Warns Against Unethical Practices
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Rosemary Onah, congratulated the newly inaugurated members and urged them to uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
She also warned against unethical practices that could undermine the objectives of the task force and the ministry.
Task Force Pledges Commitment to Environmental Sanitation
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Special Environmental Task Force, Commander Maurice Eyo Asuquo (Rtd.), thanked the Commissioner for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the team.
Asuquo assured the government and residents that the task force would justify the confidence placed in it by maintaining high standards of service.
He pledged the team’s commitment to working tirelessly to restore environmental order, cleanliness and compliance across Cross River State.
Task Force to Tackle Environmental Violations
According to its terms of reference, the task force is mandated to tackle various forms of environmental nuisance and violations across the state.
Its areas of focus include:
- Indiscriminate disposal of waste in drains and along roads.
- Illegal structures obstructing vehicular and pedestrian movement.
- Street trading and other forms of obstruction.
- Other activities that violate environmental regulations.
The task force is expected to strengthen enforcement and complement existing efforts by the Ministry of Environment to improve environmental standards across the state.
Members Take Oath of Office
A major highlight of the inauguration was the administration of the oath of office on members of the task force by Barr. Daniel Ekpo.
The event was attended by directors and heads of departments within the Ministry of Environment.
The inauguration marks another step by the Cross River State Government towards strengthening environmental enforcement and promoting cleaner, safer and healthier communities across the state.
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