Cross River restates commitment to address ecological challenges

The Cross River Government has reiterated its commitment towards addressing the ecological challenges in the state.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Mfon Bassey, stated this yesterday while inspecting some flood-prone settlements in Bayside axis of Calabar South council area of the state.

Addressing the residents, Bassey said government was ready to address the ecological challenges in Calabar metropolis.

He stated that his visit was to ascertain the root cause of flooding in the region with a view to proffering possible and sustainable solutions.

His words: “Governor Ben Ayade is committed to ensuring that effects of climate change and other man-made activities that impact negatively on our environment are reduced, if not completely eradicated.

“As a ministry, we are going round to take note of all the places affected by ecological challenges with a view to finding possible solutions.”

The commissioner urged the community to desist from indiscriminate dumping of waste in drainages and water channels, an activity that has the capability of defacing the environment and constituting health hazard.

He assured the people of prompt government’s intervention through desilting and evacuation of blocked drainages to forestall future flooding in the area.

The commissioner frowned on the rate of open defecation in the locality, and identified sites for the construction of public toilet facilities in order to stop the hazardous practice.

He added that the construction of public toilets would promote hygiene and environmental health to check outbreak of diseases.