by crossriverwatch admin
CrossRiverWatch has gathered that the filth which has taken over calabar streets in the past one week is occasioned by the inability of the state government to offset the bills of the contractor handling the refuse evacuation deal.
A reliable source in the State Ministry of Environment who does not want to be named told CrossRiverWatch that “Due to the paucity of funds, state feels that there is a need to do a downward review of the amount paid to the contractor handling the job. There are other opportunities that exist and value that can be added in the refuse evacuation chain; the refuse can be turned to organic manure and fertilizers that are now in high demand because of increased interest in agricultural activities in the state.
“But the matter at hand is that the contractor wants us to offset the outstanding bills we are owing before they can continue work and we do not have that money at the moment. The state is experiencing a bit of challenges with finances. The payment default is quite unusual, but in a shock move, the contractor withdrew services abruptly.
A CrossRiverWatch reporter who monitored the situation yesterday reports that major city centers like Atu by Ebito Street, Mayne Avenue by Atamuno Street, Bishop Monagh by Marian near Apples Fast Foods, MCC by Fourth Avenue, Watt Market by Marian near the police station, were all littered with overflowing garbage.
Some residents who also spoke with our reporter were worried about an impending epidemic if the garbage is not evacuated with the urgency required.
Our findings also revealed that the state government and the contractor were supposed to resolve the matter yesterday in the interest of public health and address other contentious issues administratively. It is expected that the contractor will return to work as soon as the compromise is reached.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Imoke in a reaction to the development told CrossRiverWatch that the unusual filth was occasioned by “Operational glitches which have now been addressed. Streets have been cleared and are looking as clean as ever.”
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