Residents and motorists in Calabar have expressed frustration over the rising heaps of refuse littering major streets and strategic locations across the metropolis. Many warned that the situation poses significant health risks and could trigger disease outbreaks if not urgently addressed.
Despite the state Ministry of Environment’s monthly sanitation exercises, waste continues to accumulate. Residents, including Ms. Patience Asuquo of Satellite Town, criticised the government for prioritising festive decorations over proper waste management. She urged Governor Bassey Otu to direct the Commissioner for Environment to enforce more consistent cleanup measures beyond the monthly exercises.
Field checks revealed that refuse dumps have taken over several locations, including Satellite Town (Sankara T-Junction), Atimbo by Access, Ediba after the footbridge, Atekong by Marian, Old Odukpani Road by TTC, Mbukpa Street by Ambo Lane, and Ekpo Abasi by Mayne Avenue.
Mr. Solomon Obi, a resident near Cheering News, noted that waste in the area had remained unattended for weeks. “It is embarrassing. The authorities must act urgently. Governor Otu is known as a clean man; those responsible for this negligence should be sanctioned,” he said.
In response, the Ministry confirmed it had contacted waste vendors and warned that contracts would be terminated if the situation did not improve within 48 hours.
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