By Sylvia Okoi
In a bold move to enforce compliance with the monthly statewide sanitation exercise, the Cross River State Government has sealed off shops and a brothel in Esukutang Community, Calabar Municipality.
The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, ordered the immediate cleanup of surroundings within 48 hours, expressing disappointment at the residents’ lackadaisical attitude towards their environment which he noted their lives depend on.
Osogi emphasized that the sanitation exercise was here to stay and urged residents to take responsibility for their surroundings and directed shop owners to desilt their drains while vowing to continue sensitizing commuters until cleanliness becomes a habit.
The Commissioner expressed the need for residents to work together to give the State a facelift, especially in light of the Governor Bassey Otu’s recent award as the Governor of the Year in the country.
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In his response, the Community Chairman on Sanitation, Esukutang Community, Mr. Edu Samuel, echoed Osogi’s sentiments, stating that he has repeatedly urged residents to keep their surroundings clean and promised to enforce strict compliance to the monthly rituals during subsequent edition to complement Government’s effort.
Some residents who fielded questions to our correspondent responded positively to the exercise, noting that the statewide environmental sanitation has significantly improved the State’s sanitary conditions and provided a conducive environment for living.
The Commissioner’s team comprised the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment, Barr. Mrs. Rosemary Onah, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Director of Administration alongside Scientific Directors of the Ministry, NGO’S, and Support Groups
Apart from Esukutang Community, the Commissioner also visited motor parks along the Ete Agbor axis, as well as the University of Calabar’s female and male hostels.
He created awareness about the importance of keeping surroundings clean and encouraged residents to take ownership of their environment.
Other areas visited by the Commissioner’s team included Atamunu, Mbukpa, and Atakpka, all in Calabar South, as well as markets in the same area. The team’s efforts aim to ensure that the statewide sanitation exercise is effective and sustainable.
The Cross River State Government’s commitment to environmental sanitation is evident in its efforts to educate and engage residents. By working together, the Government and residents can create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all.
As the statewide sanitation exercise continues, it is essential for residents to take responsibility for their surroundings and work towards maintaining a clean and healthy environment. With the government’s support and guidance, Cross River State can become a model for environmental sustainability.
