Bridges not meant for hawking, scavenging – Kano govt warns as enforcement begins

The Kano State Government has said it will not allow bridges built with billions of naira to be turned into markets or places for illegal activities, warning that anyone violating the law will face prosecution.

The Chairman of the Kano State Special Taskforce on Illegal Structures, Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, gave the warning during an inspection of Tal’udu Bridge as part of the committee’s ongoing enforcement exercise across the Kano metropolis.

Dr. Sani directed all hawkers and scavengers operating under the bridge to leave the area immediately, saying the government would no longer tolerate the misuse of public infrastructure.

According to him, allowing people to occupy the bridges for trading and other unauthorized activities defeats the purpose for which they were built.

“This place was not designated for hawking, scavenging, or as a football field. Anyone found violating these regulations will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.

The taskforce chairman said the government was determined to restore order around public facilities and ensure that investments made with public funds are protected.

He also urged residents to develop a better attitude towards public infrastructure, noting that cleaner and more organized cities are achieved when people obey environmental laws.

“We must change our attitude, especially here in Kano, if we want to build a cleaner, safer, and more organized city,” he added.

The chairman said environmental regulations are strictly enforced in places such as Saudi Arabia and other developed nations, making it difficult for people to dump refuse indiscriminately or misuse public facilities.