Residents, traders, and motorists in Calabar, Nigeria, are expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of trees planted along White House Street during the administration of former Governor Donald Duke. The trees, which were part of the city's beautification program, have become old, dead, and decayed, with branches breaking and falling at regular intervals. This has created a hazardous situation for people living and working in the area.
A large, almost dead tree on White House Street has become a particular cause for concern. Its dead branches are falling regularly, forcing pedestrians and motorists to scramble for safety. The residents have reported several incidents of falling branches, including one that damaged a mechanic's roof. The mechanic, Mr. Inyang Ndarake, spent N50,000 to repair the damage and has been trying to get the tree removed.
The residents are frustrated with the situation and are calling on the government to take action. Mr. Ndarake met with officials who claimed to be working with the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA) to remove the tree, but was told he had to pay N100,000 for the service. Other residents, including shop owner Mrs. Antonia Edem, are living in fear of the trees, especially during windy conditions.
A tricycle operator, Mr. Kingsley Njok, also expressed concern about the trees, which he said were once a source of pride for the city but have now become death traps. He urged the government to cut down the dead trees, which he believes are no longer useful and are posing a danger to the community.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Bassey Mensah, has acknowledged the challenge of ageing trees in the Calabar metropolis. He assured residents that his ministry, in collaboration with CUDA, will conduct an immediate assessment of the White House Street tree and take necessary action to prevent loss of life.
Commissioner Mensah promised to send a staff member to assess the tree and enable the ministry to take action. The residents are appealing to the state government to urgently prune and remove dead trees not only on White House Street but also on other major streets in Calabar to prevent a potential tragedy and restore the city's reputation as Nigeria's cleanest and greenest city.
The situation has highlighted the need for the government to prioritize the maintenance of public spaces and infrastructure. The decaying trees are not only a threat to the safety of residents but also undermine the aesthetic appeal of the city. The government is expected to take swift action to address the issue and ensure the well-being of the community.
Key points
- The Cross River State government has promised to take action to address the issue of decaying trees in Calabar.
- Residents are living in fear of the trees, which have become a threat to their safety.
- The trees were planted 25 years ago as part of Calabar's beautification program but have since become old and decayed.
