The Cross River State Government has intensified efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier environment as the newly inaugurated Environmental Task Force commenced full enforcement of sanitation laws during the June monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
The exercise, held across the Calabar metropolis on Saturday, marked the first major operation of the task force since its inauguration. Officials monitored compliance in several communities while ensuring that residents and businesses observed the state's sanitation regulations.
Speaking after inspecting the exercise, the Commissioner for Environment, Obol Moses John Osogi, described the performance of the task force as impressive, saying its deployment demonstrated the government's readiness to strengthen environmental law enforcement and sustain cleanliness across the state. He noted that the level of compliance recorded during the exercise was encouraging and reflected growing public support for the government's environmental agenda.
The commissioner singled out residents of Calabar South for praise, commending their commitment to maintaining clean surroundings. According to him, the area's high level of participation shows patriotism and a sense of responsibility, adding that communities demonstrating exceptional environmental standards would receive recognition from the government.
However, the government expressed concern over the conduct of some commercial transport operators who allegedly violated the sanitation restrictions. The Commissioner specifically warned Peace Mass Transit, accusing the company of operating during the sanitation period despite existing regulations. He also condemned what he described as hostile behaviour by some members of the company's staff towards enforcement officials.
Osogi warned that the motor park could be sealed if the company continues to disregard the state's environmental sanitation laws, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate repeated violations.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant on Environment, Dr. Magnus Ntui, described the June sanitation exercise as one of the most successful in recent times. He attributed the improved compliance to sustained public enlightenment campaigns carried out by the Ministry of Environment, noting that many residents now voluntarily participate without waiting for enforcement officers.
Monitoring teams reported that residents actively cleaned their homes, streets and business premises throughout the exercise, while the Mobile Court prosecuted offenders arrested for violating environmental sanitation regulations as part of measures to strengthen compliance.
The renewed enforcement drive forms part of the Cross River State Government's broader campaign to improve environmental cleanliness, reduce indiscriminate waste disposal and ensure that sanitation laws are fully obeyed by residents and businesses across the state.
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