Kano Reintroduces Waste Bin In Public Transport

By Akinwale Kasali

The Kano State Government is disturbed by the indiscriminate dumping of waste in the State and has, therefore, reintroduced Waste Disposal Bins in tricycles popularly known as “Adaidaita Sahu” and commercial vehicles plying the roads to keep the State clean.

The State was designated as one of the dirtiest States in the North.

The Government has also made the Waste Disposal Bins to be strategically placed at designated points on major roads, motor parks and marketplaces.

Dahiru Hashimu, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, made the announcement while flagging off the Kano State Waste Management and Refuse Disposal Initiative.

Hashimu said the initiatives were to allow commuters and others to dispose of their trash responsibly, noting that littering on the streets will not be condoned.

The commissioner added that to ensure effectiveness of the initiatives, they are collaborating with Ministries of Transportation and Commerce to address waste management challenges head-on.

According to him “The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change will, henceforth, adopt, in collaboration with the Ministries of Transportation and Commerce, to address waste management challenges across Kano State. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation is to address waste management in our public transportation systems.

“The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is introducing an initiative that will see the installation of waste disposal bins in buses and tricycles (Adaidaita sahu) that operate within Kano State. These waste bins will allow commuters to dispose of their trash responsibly while on the move.

“In addition, waste disposal bins will be strategically placed at motor parks, bus stops, and along major streets in Kano State, to encourage responsible waste disposal by all road users and commuters to empty their bins.

By this intervention, the Ministry of Environment seeks to reduce littering on our roads and ensure that our streets always remain clean and presentable.

“Our partnership with the Ministry of Commerce intends to keep all markets and industrial areas clean and tidy as well as facilitate the introduction of designated waste disposal points in various markets, industrial hubs, and business districts across the State. We will also work closely with market associations, traders, and factory operators to ensure that waste is managed responsibly within these areas.

“Environmental cleanliness is an idle component of public health and urban development and beautification. As a government, Kano State recognizes the effectiveness of the waste management system as a vital component to maintaining the well-being of its community. This event reflects the commitment of the Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, (Abba Gida Gida) in ensuring that Kano State remains cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally friendly to all residents and to our esteemed guests.

“The main goal of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf is to ensure that all businesses operating in Kano State contribute to maintaining a clean and healthy environment in Kano State.

“Another important aspect of this initiative is the reintroduction of street sweepers in Kano State by His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf. I am delighted to announce that after just a week of our resumption at the Ministry, we have started the payment of backlog salaries owned by street sweepers in Kano State. These sweepers are being strategically assigned to key areas in Kano City, including major roads, marketplaces, and public spaces, ensuring that Kano State remains one of the cleanest states in Nigeria. The deployment of street sweepers by the Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf government is a step toward a broader waste management strategy. This will help reduce the accumulation of waste on our streets and promote a cleaner environment for residents and visitors alike. At the same time, it will also create job opportunities for Kano residents.

“While the government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure and manpower to manage waste, we cannot achieve these goals without the active participation and cooperation of the people of Kano State. I therefore call on transport operators, market traders, industrialists, and all residents of Kano, to take responsibility for keeping their environments clean. We must all develop the habit of disposing of our waste responsibly, using the waste bins provided, and refraining from littering the streets and public spaces. I also appeal to our traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious institutions to join hands with us in raising awareness about the importance of environmental cleanliness and waste management.

“A clean environment is not just the responsibility of the government, but a shared responsibility that requires the commitment of all stakeholders.

“Finally, we would like to invite interested and capable private sectors to partner with the Kano State government for waste management and waste-to-wealth initiatives.

“I would also like to reiterate that the Kano State Waste Management and Refuse Disposal Initiative is a bold step taken by His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf towards achieving a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Kano State”, Hashimu stated.