To avert further flooding disaster, the Kano State government on Thursday began demolition of structures erected on waterways at strategic places in Kano metropolis.

Environment commissioner Kabiru Getso, who is also the chairman of the Task Force Committee on Sanitation, said the decision was reached at the State Executive Council meeting.

Hundreds of shops were affected by flooding disaster at Kantin-Kwari market where property estimated at millions of naira were destroyed.

The disaster also destroyed several houses across the state following the  downpour experienced across the state.

Mr Getso said that all structures erected, particularly along Kwarin-Gogau in Fagge Local Government in the metropolitan area would be affected by the exercise.

“In view of the downpour earlier in the week that wreaked havoc at Kwari Market, the State Assembly had set up a committee to investigate the occurrence.

“As an outcome of the committee’s investigation and report, the State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, ordered that all structures built on waterways be removed with immediate effect,” he said.

Mr Getso said that the state Task Force Committee on Sanitation set up by the administration, also uncovered reasons for the flooding in some parts of the state.

Some of the reasons, according to Mr Getso, were indiscriminate disposal of waste around the markets and residential areas.

The commissioner added that illegal construction of structures on waterways around the market premises, also contributed immensely in causing the problem, which called for immediate demolition.

Mr Getso, however, commiserated with people affected by the disaster in the state.

He also appealed for calm and people’s support as the exercise proceeded. 

(NAN)