The Kano State government has inaugurated a waste management and refuse disposal initiative to transform the state into a cleaner and more environmentally friendly city.

Inaugurating the initiative on Monday along IBB Way within the Kano metropolis, the commissioner for environment and climate change, Dahiru Hashim, said that only a multi-dimensional approach would address the state’s waste management challenges.

According to him, the state has recognised the effectiveness of a robust waste management system in maintaining the well-being of its citizens.

He said the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, in collaboration with the transportation and commerce ministries, unveiled the initiative to address the waste management challenges.

“A major aspect of the initiative is the introduction of waste disposal bins in commercial vehicles, including buses and tricycles that operate within the state.

“Additionally, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change will install waste disposal bins at motor parks, bus stops, and major streets across Kano State.

“The initiative is expected to reduce littering on the streets and ensure that the state’s roads remain clean and presentable,” he said.

Mr Hashim stressed the importance of public participation in achieving the initiative’s goals.

He called on residents, transport operators, market traders, and industrialists to adopt responsible waste disposal habits and actively contribute to maintaining a clean environment.

The commissioner also highlighted the partnership with the Ministry of Commerce to maintain cleanliness in markets and industrial areas.

He said the ministry would establish designated waste disposal points in various business districts.

The commissioner emphasised Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State’s commitment to ensuring that all businesses contributed to maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

“Another key aspect of this initiative is the reintroduction of street sweepers across the state.

“I am pleased to announce that, within a week of our resumption at the ministry, we have begun paying off the backlog of salaries owed to street sweepers.

“These sweepers would be strategically deployed to key areas in Kano City, including major roads, marketplaces, and public spaces,” he said.

Some traders and market leaders who spoke on the new initiative expressed gratitude to the state government for “the robust and brilliant initiative.”

They urged market traders to complement government efforts by always keeping the market environment clean.

(NAN)