27th March, 2016
The Kano State government says it plans to restructure the markets in the state to facilitate improved business transactions.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje disclosed this on Sunday in Kano while receiving the governors of Gombe, Kebbi, Niger, Imo, Borno and Jigawa, who paid him a sympathy visit over Saturday’s fire outbreak at the Sabongari market.
He said the restructuring would involve provision of roads, culverts and fire service points as well as collapsible structures for petty traders.
He said henceforth all present wooden structures in such markets would be replaced with collapsible ones to reduce the chances of fire conflagration and obstacles during emergency.
Ganduje said the government would also implement some measures to alleviate the sufferings of the victims of the fire to enable them rebuild their lives.
“The programme would include resettling the victims at an appropriate location to enable them restart their day to day economic endeavours.
“I have already directed Kano Urban Planning Development Authority (KNUPDA) and the Metropolitan Local Government council chairman to scout for a suitable site to relocate the affected traders for the time being.”
He assured that none of the affected traders would lose a place to earn a living and appealed to them to cooperate with the government to find lasting solution to the problem of fire outbreaks in markets.
Ganduje also appealed to the Federal Government and well meaningful individuals and groups to support the victims.
He commended the Progressive Governors Forum as well as the Northern Governors Forum for identifying with the government and people of Kano state during this period.
Governor Rochas Okorocha and Kashim Shettima, who spoke on behalf of the other governors, pledged to offer support to the victims of the fire incident.