By Blessing Enagu
Except for divine providence, the Cross River State Forestry Commission would have been thrown into mourning on Monday July 20th, as one of the massive trees fell into staff residential quarters and office blocks at the headquarters in Calabar.
The Calamity which occurred in the wee hours of Monday caused serious damage which attracted prompt visitation and subsequent assessment by a team from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), led by its Director- General, Princewill Ayim.
Although no life was lost, properties worth millions of naira were destroyed and offices rendered inhabitable.
Speaking to newsmen, the Chairman, Chief Tony Undiandeye described the incident as unfortunate, grieving that it occurred at a time when the management was faced with the challenge of providing good office accommodation for Staff.
Chief Undiandeye expressed gratitude to God that the accident did not occur during office hours which could have been more devastating and called on the State Government and other relevant bodies to come to his Commission’s assistance, adding that the Staff deserve better and befitting accommodation, given the essential role they play in conserving the State Forests resources.
The Chairman expressed concern over the dependence on government even in dwindling economy realities, maintaining that supports would have been gotten from development partners who are interested in forests conservation, while also appealing that government should lift ban on logging for the entrenchment of sustainable forests management in the state.
Also speaking, the Director-General of SEMA, Princewill Ayim assured that his agency will collaborate with the National body for intervention after thorough assessments have been made.
He advised the Commission to take precautionary measures against such unpleasant occurrence in the future.
One of the affected staff who lives at the quarters with his family, Mr. Richard Egan, explained that the incident happened at about 4am, throwing them into tumult as they were woken up from sleep by the blistering sound from the fall.
He stated that although their building was destroyed, he was consoled that no life was lost.
He appealed for quick intervention to prevent more havoc from hoodlums who have been terrorizing the area.
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