The Cross River State Government has intensified efforts to curb flooding by removing illegal structures obstructing drainage channels and directing traders to maintain clean market environments.

The Commissioner for Environment, Moses Osogi, gave the directive during the July edition of the monthly statewide environmental sanitation exercise held at the weekend across Calabar Municipality and Calabar South.

The exercise, which commenced at the Ministry of Environment headquarters, culminated at Marian Market, where officials removed makeshift shops and other illegal structures erected on drainage channels and outside designated trading areas.

Osogi said the blocked drains had contributed to flooding in parts of the metropolis, warning that the government would no longer tolerate activities that obstruct the free flow of stormwater.

He urged traders to maintain clean surroundings, stressing that environmental sanitation is a collective responsibility and essential to public health and business activities.

The commissioner warned that enforcement would not be limited to the monthly sanitation exercise, adding that officials would conduct routine inspections of markets to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the sanitary condition of Marian Market, he directed traders to immediately clean their business premises.

Osogi also inspected the erosion-ravaged Ibesikpo axis along Edibe Edibe Road, where severe gully erosion has damaged the road and poses a threat to motorists and residents.

He assured residents that the ministry would continue to monitor erosion-prone locations and collaborate with relevant agencies to address environmental challenges across the state.

Meanwhile, officials apprehended and prosecuted persons who violated the state’s environmental sanitation regulations, including the restriction of movement during the exercise.

The sanitation exercise attracted officials of the Ministry of Environment, members of the Special Environment Taskforce, representatives of non-governmental organisations and volunteers.