Cross River State Government on Sunday morning demolished over 100 illegal shops including containers erected within the premises of the popular Etim-Edem Park in Calabar, the state capital.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Mfon Bassey, who led staff of the Ministry for the exercise along with security agencies, said the move was to create sanity within the city.
The Commissioner, who explained that in the Calabar master plan, the affected area was meant to be a motor park where intending travelers come in and board vehicles to different destinations and not for erection of shops. He explained that Sunday was chosen for the demolition to avoid interruption by traders and buyers.
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On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, said the demolition was approved by the Governor to return the Calabar original master plan back to its design.
Some residents, who witnessed the operation, commended the State Government for taking a bold step, saying that was the first time such action would be taken since 2000 when the park was reconstructed.
The exercise, according to the Commissioner, took place after series of warnings and deadlines given to those involved in the illegal acts, while the Ministry is working with relevant government agencies to give Calabar a befitting look and to decongest traffic on the road.
