By Longtong Yakubu, KANO
Gov. Abba Kabiru Yusuf, of Kano state, has approved the constitution of a task force on Refuse Disposal, evacuation of drainages, and street cleaning, known as Operation Nazafa, which will be responsible for keeping the environment clean at all times.
Yusuf made this known in his inaugural speech, shortly after he was sworn in as governor of Kano state, by the Ag. Chief Judge of the state, Justice Dije Aboki.
“Our city used to be the cleanest city in Nigeria between 2011 and 2015. Today, it is the opposite. Refuse dumps with uncollected wastes are all over the city. Our streets are littered with all sorts of garbage and nobody seems to care,” he said.
“Today, a Taskforce on Refuse Disposal, Evacuation of Drainages and Streets Cleaning (Operation Nazafa) comprising of different stakeholder groups is approved.
“In the coming days, I will officially launch a state-wide campaign with self-help groups to drive the operation. In the next few weeks, all the dumps will be cleared, all our streets will be clean, all our drainages will be desilted and a sustainable system of maintaining the cleanness and clearing the dumps will be in place.
“To begin with, starting from next month, all vehicles on our roads across the state are required to have dustbins in them, and all businesses –including shops and stalls –should also have dustbins for collecting and proper disposal of wastes and refuse. At this point, we urge all the residents of Kano state to give us their maximum cooperation,” he noted.
Addressing the issue of street lights, the governor promised that, street lights will return as soon as possible and those responsible for stealing funds meant for servicing them and those “so-called officials” that stole the generators will be brought to justice.
Speaking on security, Gov. Yusuf said, “we are aware of the persistent cases of armed robbery (especially phone snatching), kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes being perpetrated on the streets of our towns and cities. This menace will be confronted and brought to a permanent end throughout our State.
