Cross River bans roadside workshops, street trading in Calabar metropolis

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The Cross River State Government has banned the activities of roadside mechanics and street traders in Calabar metropolis effective 31 October.

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The Commissioner for Environment, Bassey Mensah, disclosed this during an on-the-spot inspection of business areas, erosion sites, and other locations in Calabar on Monday.

Mr Mensah said roadside technicians and traders were obstructing pedestrian and vehicular movement in the city.

The commissioner also said their activities had caused serious environmental degradation in Calabar City.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that during the inspection, Mr Mensah visited Kings Street, White House, Bedwell, Punch, Victor Akan and adjoining streets.

He told roadside mechanics and traders in the area to relocate their operations to designated places.

“There is the possibility of exposure to harmful chemicals; we need to collectively protect public health and restore environmental order,” he said.

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Mr Mensah said improved sanitation is critical to creating a safe environment for residents.

READ ALSO: Senate asks FG to release ecological funds to tackle erosion, landslides in Cross River

The commissioner expressed the government’s commitment to address environmental degradation triggered by roadside workshops and street trading.

He said the state government would collaborate with the Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project to tackle the matter.

He said the inspection was part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to restore a clean, healthy environment in the state through improved sanitation, enforcement of environmental regulations, and sustained public sensitisation.

Ndem Effiong, the senior special assistant to Governor Bassey Otu on the Automobile Technician Regulatory Department, said vehicle sales and mechanic operations need to be separated.

He expressed concern about increasing environmental degradation caused by mechanics operating on the streets.