Onyeche Wofurum Igwe
Cross River State House of Assembly has directed the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies to immediately replace or remove trees that poses threat to power transmission lines and the safety of citizens across the state.
This resolution followed a motion presented during plenary yesterday by Hon. Francis Ogban, Member representing Biase State Constituency, who raised concern over the damage caused by aging and overgrown trees located dangerously close to electrical infrastructure. According to Ogban, several of these trees have outlived their usefulness and now pose serious hazards to public safety and the state’s power supply network.
Our correspondent reported that the falling trees caused significant damage to buildings, vehicles, and power infrastructure. The trees also blocked roads, making it difficult to access certain areas.
He also said that a woman’s car was damaged when a tree fell on it while she was calling for her gate to be opened and that a Nissan Xterra Jeep was also rendered a total loss after a falling branch impacted it.
According to an eye witness, residents are expressing frustration and calling for the government to take proactive measures to identify and address the issue of aging trees before they cause further damage.
He also said that there have been previous incidents where trees have fallen and caused damage or even fatalities, raising concerns about the need for more proactive tree maintenance.
“These trees did not just fall, they destroyed power installations like wires, poles, private properties like shops and buildings.”
“But for the trees on the highway, I think they are old enough to be replaced. Those trees were planted by former Governor Donald Duke.”
He emphasized the importance of taking preventive action rather than waiting for more extensive damage or loss, calling for a systematic approach that would address the problem without a complete ecological overhaul.
The House charged the Ministry of Environment to begin planting new species of trees to replace the old ones, ensuring a balance between environmental conservation and infrastructure safety.
In his remarks, the speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, while commending the motion, reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to proactive governance and responsive legislation. He stressed that protecting lives and infrastructure must always be a priority and commended the lawmakers for their foresight.
“This House will not wait for disasters to occur before we act. We must lead with foresight, and today’s resolution is a reflection of that commitment,” the Speaker said.
