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| Watt Market Roundabout, Calabar |
Sylvia Okoi | 7th September 2023
In a bid to restore the serenity and good hygiene of the Calabar metropolis, the Commissioner for Environment Hon. Moses Osogi has announced that all markets in Calabar would from henceforth observe general environmental sanitation every Saturday between the hours of 7 am to 9 am.
The Commissioner announced the new environmental policy during a meeting with leaders of the Calabar Traders Association recently in his office.
The Commissioner who is set to transform the city of Calabar said he would do everything within his mandate to ensure that the metropolitan city gains back its global recognition as the cleanest state in Nigeria.
Addressing the association leaders, Commissioner Osogi warned against indiscriminate dumping of waste, assuring that where there are no waste bins quick interventions would be made to provide waste disposal materials in the interim.
Disclosing plans to position waste bins at strategic points, Hon. Moses Osogi revealed that Waste points would be made available at major bus stops in Calabar to enable passers-by and passengers to dispose of waste appropriately.
The Environment boss frowned against the high level of lawlessness by some traders stating that he would not tolerate noncompliance with environmental laws as defaulters would be made to face severe penalties.
Admonishing traders to imbibe a hygienic culture in their sales point, Commissioner Osogi advised that traders whose shops are close to drainages should desist from dumping waste in drainages and endeavour to carry out periodic clean up on those drainages to avoid flooding.
Speaking further, he pleaded with the body to carry out necessary interventions within its purview. He stressed that the Ministry of Environment under the new dispensation of Governor Prince Otu’s administration has the disposition to bring back the green and fresh nature of the state, he solicited the maximum cooperation of the body tasking them to pass on the message to their members.
The director of administration Barr. John Odu thanked the leadership of the association for responding to the Commissioner’s call and urged them to abide by the new policy for the good of all.
Responding, the President of the Calabar Traders Association, Mr. Asuquo Ita expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for revealing his goodwill while assuring the association’s total compliance with all environmental policies. He promised that the necessary instruments needed to materialise the intervention initiative of the Commissioner would be applied by the association for maximum cooperation.
The Association’s Secretary, Mr. Mazi Iyamba also pledged support to the state government in ensuring that they observe the weekly sanitation.
According to a circular from the ministry the Sanitation exercise begins with immediate effect.
