Cross River Commence Tree Cutting, and commence Planting Across 18 LGAs

The Cross River State government has commenced a state-wide tree cutting and trimming exercise across the 18 local government areas of the state starting from Calabar, the state capital.

The governor had recently assured citizens of multiple tree planting across the state to replace the ones that will be felled as part of the state beautification and canopy projects.

The exercise, which took off at the Atimbo area of Calabar Municipality, was flagged off by the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr Ekpenyong Akiba, and witnessed by other top government officials.

Speaking during the flag-off, Barr. Akiba said the exercise was in line with the state government\’s Clean and Green Project, to ensure that all old trees within the state were removed and new ones planted.

\”This exercise is in line with the state government\’s desire to ensure that all old trees which were planted over 20 years ago are either removed or trimmed and new ones planted. As you are aware, some of these trees are already a serious security risk for road users, some of which we have recorded terrible accidents.

\” As a responsible government, we have decided to be proactive by flagging off this exercise which will ensure that all these trees are completely taken off, trimmed and new ones planted.

\”This exercise will continue until we trim those that need to be trimmed, completely cut down those that needs to be cut down so that we can have our clean and green Cross River State back,\” he concluded

Also speaking, Managing Director, Sebastino Environmental Services, Mr. Sebastine Edet, contractors for the project, said the exercise was to ensure the state is restored back to what it used to be.

\” As you can see, we are taking off the old trees from the root while trimming the ones that are not too old. The response by the people on the street is very positive as it can be seen on their faces.

\”We also got massive support from the Nigeria Navy. They gave us some of their men to help protect the people and direct traffic. So far, the work is moving on smoothly, and in the end, Cross Riverians will be proud of what we have been able to do.\”

Some of the residents who spoke expressed gratitude to the governor for prompt response to their calls, assuring the contractor of maximum support and cooperation to complete the project.