By Daniel Bebia,CRS-MOI Officer reporting from Ministry of Environment
The Commissioner for Environment, Hon Mfon Bassey has said that the Governor Ben Ayade- led administration is poised to reclaiming the State’s first position in environmental remediation.
The Commissioner stated this while on inspection of the on-going desilting, beautification of roundabouts and daily sanitation within Calabar Metropolis.
According to the Commissioner ,the desilting was necessitated by flooding experienced by some residents over the years.
He said the drains having been silted will provide for a free flow of rain water into major channels thereby reducing and eliminating the impact of flooding.
Hon Bassey frowned at some residents who are in the habit of dumping waste indiscriminately rather than into bins provided, said the ministry will no longer tolerate such deliberate acts capable of sabotaging government’s efforts at keeping the environment Clean, Green and safe.
He also called on land developers to shun building on water channels, adding that the Ministry will synergies with relevant authorities to ensure strict compliance to avoid erosion and it’s attendant hazards.
The Commissioner pointed out that the rationale behind the renovation and beautification of roundabouts and other historical structures in the Metropolis was to give Calabar, the ancient city and the first Federal capital of Nigeria,a facelift.
” we have not done anything new here, what we are doing is maintaining and sustaining the status quo for which Calabar is known for, the Governor is determined to give it a touch of taste. He said “
Mr Omini Ofem, a residents of 8 Miles, Calabar, commended the Governor for the good work especially in the area, stating that his achievements in the environment sector within few months are visible.
He said 8 Miles been the gateway to the Metropolis deserved the attention it is receiving now while praying that Government sustain and maintain the tempo in the years ahead.
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