Kano cracks down on roadside traders over waste dumping

The Kano State Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB) has warned roadside traders against dumping refuse on roads and inside drainage channels, particularly along major routes in the state.

The board said the practice was contributing to blocked drainage systems, accumulation of waste and environmental pollution.

REMASAB Managing Director, Dr Muhammad Salisu-Khalil, issued the warning in a statement on Tuesday through the board’s spokesperson, Abubakar Ahmad.

The board said traders selling boiled and roasted maize were among those frequently leaving maize husks, cobs and other refuse along roads and in drainage channels.

It directed traders operating along France Road, Katsina Road, Maiduguri Road, Zaria Road and Zoo Road to provide waste bins at their business locations and ensure proper disposal of refuse.

The board said indiscriminate dumping was undermining daily street sweeping, waste evacuation and environmental sanitation activities across the state.

It warned that traders who continue to violate sanitation regulations would face enforcement action, including prosecution before an environmental sanitation court.

REMASAB said the enforcement was intended to keep commercial activities from creating additional environmental and public health problems, rather than prevent residents from operating roadside businesses.