Traders urged to adopt responsible waste disposal system in their markets 

Traders in all markets across Calabar and other towns in Cross River State have been urged to adopt responsible ways to dispose of waste in their places of business.

It was noted that most traders in markets across the state habitually dispose of their waste carelessly, leading to health hazards.

Mr Isaac Tawo Bessong, a conservationist and member of a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), which embarked on a market cleaning exercise in Calabar, made the call.

The event was organised by the CSO in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser to Governor Otu on Environment to caution traders and business owners on the need to always keep their environment tidy for health reasons.

Bessong, who is of the Boki Diversity Foundation, noted that markets remain one of the largest sources of waste generation in urban areas.

He said, “Our markets remain one of the largest sources of waste generation in urban areas. As such, poor waste management contributes significantly to flooding, environmental pollution, and the spread of diseases.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Civil Society Coalition for Environmental Justice and Forest Conservation, Edem Edem, cautioned that waste-driven pollution harms health and undermines climate action.

Edem explained that the sensitisation focused on practical steps such as waste sorting, proper bagging, and the use of designated disposal points.

“How many of us have driven behind a refuse truck and breathed that air? If you don’t like the air, imagine breathing it daily—hospital visits follow. If you breathe such air, it is dangerous to our health,” he noted.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Bassey Otu on Environment and Waste Management, Magnus Ntui, frowned at the indiscriminate dumping of waste in the Calabar metropolis.

He said the administration of Governor Otu was out to enhance the greenness and neatness of not only Calabar but the entire state.

Ntui said waste hurts the environment and health.

“We need awareness and sensitisation so people understand why indiscriminate dumping hurts our environment and why sustainability matters,” he said.

The NYSC SDG Desk Officer for Cross River State, Mrs Blessing Bissong, said corps members dedicate one day a week to cleaning up their areas of activity.

She said they will always strive to collaborate with government agencies and NGOs to improve waste management in host communities.

She recounted remedial efforts undertaken by respective CDS groups to sensitise residents on waste management.

“Almost every week, our CDS group sensitises residents on cleaner living and proper waste disposal. We are happy with the efforts of the state government and relevant agencies in securing the cleanup of a major dump site in the Calabar metropolis,” she added.

Traders urged to adopt responsible waste disposal system in their markets