The Cross River State Government has directed mechanics operating on major streets in Calabar South without designated workshops to leave the roads, as part of a fresh effort to restore order, improve traffic flow and clean up the environment.
The directive affects mechanics operating along Bedwell, Kings, White House and Victor Akan Streets in Calabar South.
Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Bassey Offiong Mensah, gave the order during a meeting with auto-parts dealers in Calabar on Monday. He said the continued use of public streets for mechanic activities had become a problem, obstructing traffic and contributing to the deterioration of the environment.
The government, however, clarified that the action is not against legitimate auto-parts dealers. Rather, it is intended to separate auto-parts trading from mechanic work being carried out directly on the streets.
The move is coming amid a wider environmental enforcement drive by the state government. Last month, the government also gave roadside traders in Calabar a 30-day ultimatum to vacate unauthorised trading locations, with plans to recover green areas and public spaces being used for roadside businesses.
For residents and motorists in Calabar South, the latest directive could mean clearer roads and better movement if properly enforced. For roadside mechanics, however, the order means they will have to relocate their operations to approved workshop locations.
The government has maintained that the broader exercise is aimed at restoring environmental sanity, protecting public spaces and ensuring the free movement of vehicles and pedestrians across the metropolis.
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