By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The sum of N500 million has been donated by the Kano State government as assistance to victims of the fire outbreak that occurred early this year at Sabon Gari market, in the state capital.
A statement issued by the Director General of Media and Communications at the Government House in Kano, Mr Salihu Tanko Yakasai, disclosed that the donation is to help victims get back on their feet.
Mr Yakassai quoted the state Governor, Mr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to have announced this gesture during a speech he delivered at the signing of an agreement between the state government and an indigenous company, Brian and Hammers Ltd., for the construction of Kanawa Economic City.
He said the Governor explained that the money was sourced from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), pointing out that because of the humanitarian disposition of his government, it had since set up a committee under Mr Aliko Dangote, to launch an appeal fund to harness money to assist the victims.
Furthermore, Governor Ganduje said the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the administration to look into the immediate and remote causes of the fire has since submitted its report and a White Paper has been issued, while a committee to ensure implementation of the recommendations has also been established and has commenced work in earnest.
He maintained that the state government was paying serious attention to the development of markets as a result of which structural and road project execution has commenced at Kantin Kwari market, while that of other markets, especially Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi Market will commence in 2017
On the proposed Kano light rail project, expected to gulp about $1.85 billion, Governor Ganduje described it a creditable legacy for future generations, describing the investment as worthwhile.
“Those saying we are obtaining a loan to finance the project hence, leaving a debt burden for our children and grandchildren are indeed economically blind, politically naïve and morally mischievous”, stated the governor, adding that the government acquired the loan to bridge the infrastructure deficit in the state.
Pointing out that the vogue across the world is for developing economies to obtain loans to in order to pay for new development initiatives, he argued that the light rail project, would on completion, generate huge amounts of money daily, to service the loan.
“Kano is an emerging mega city and one of the best ways to enhance its status and physical outlook as well as attract investors is to provide sustainable transport systems that facilitate mobility and services. That is why the light rail project is our priority,” Governor Ganduje emphasized.
Adedapo Adesanya