By Joy Umo
Residents of Calabar have criticised the Cross River State Commissioner for Environment over the growing heaps of refuse that have taken over major streets and public spaces across the metropolis, especially as the festive season approaches.
They accused the Ministry of focusing solely on monthly sanitation exercises while neglecting routine waste evacuation, leaving the city in a worsening state of filth.
Many residents and motorists who spoke with our correspondent expressed outrage, warning that the situation poses a severe health risk and is capable of fuelling a major disease outbreak if not tackled immediately.
A resident of Satellite Town, Ms. Patience Asuquo, faulted the Commissioner for what she described as a lack of supervision and seriousness in handling waste management.
“All he focuses on is environmental sanitation. There is no inspection, no follow-up on whether refuse is evacuated. What we have now is a city overtaken by dirt,” she said.
She urged Governor Bassey Otu to intervene urgently and ensure that refuse is cleared more frequently, especially at night, noting that festive decorations mounted across the city contrast sharply with the sight of overflowing waste dumps.
Investigations revealed that some of the worst-hit areas include Satellite Town (Sankara T Junction), Atimbo by Access, Ediba after the footbridge, Atekong by Marian, and Old Odukpani Road by TTC in Calabar Municipality. In Calabar South, massive refuse piles are visible along Mbukpa Street by Ambo Lane and Ekpo Abasi by Mayne Avenue.
Mr. Solomon Obi, a resident of the Cheering News area, said the heaps of refuse near his street have remained uncollected for weeks.
“It is embarrassing. It feels like we have been forgotten. How can we be preparing for Christmas with mountains of refuse everywhere?” he asked.
A restaurant owner, Mrs. Catherine Bajie, complained that flies from the refuse dumps constantly invade her food business.
“We deal with flies all day. We beg the government to clear these dumps before we face a serious health crisis,” she said.
Commercial drivers also expressed frustration. One of them, Mr. Etim Okon, blamed the Ministry of Environment for failing to evacuate the waste, warning that the public will hold them responsible if disease spreads. Another driver, who preferred anonymity, said the monthly sanitation exercise has become meaningless since waste remains uncollected afterward.
A resident, Mrs. Bassey Nyong, described her ordeal around Marian Market, saying the refuse obstructs traffic and endangers motorists.
“Government tells us not to dump refuse during the day, yet they don’t evacuate it promptly. Vehicles struggle to pass because the dumps occupy part of the road. If the Commissioner cannot manage his job, he should be replaced,” she said.
Experts warn that beyond health concerns, the unattended refuse also contributes to flooding in parts of the state.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, said the Ministry is working to address the situation.
“I am aware of all the affected areas. We are working to remove the refuse. I have contacted the vendors, and if nothing changes within 48 hours, their contracts may be terminated,” he stated.