Kano Builds N5b Shopping Arcades

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Kano State government, under Private-Partnership arrangement with two indigenous companies, has commenced that construction of two shopping malls tagged ‘Yantebura Malls’ at Kantin Kwari Market in Kano city, at the cost of over N5 billion.

During the ground breaking ceremony of the project on Thursday, the state Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje explained that the project would in sum entail 4,128 shops – 2,616 at Filin Parking mall and 1,512 at ‘Yan hula mall, to be allocated to petty traders.

In addition, he stated that under the agreement, nine roads with ancillary facilities like street lights, walkways and drainages would be constructed within the Kwantin Kwari market, with a completion period of five months.

Mr Ganduje also promised that the state government would construct a court and a police station at suitable locations within the market, to facilitate maintenance of law and order.

The Governor explained that the decision to enhance the status of markets in Kano, beginning with Kantin Kwari market, was borne out of the desire to ensure that commercial activities thrive both at daytime and at night, thereby enhancing revenue and creating additional jobs.

“Kano is a centre of commerce not only in Nigeria but in Africa hence our decision to improve the market to boost business activities in the state,” he stressed.

The Governor therefore, appealed to the traders to remit their income taxes duly to enable the government provide more infrastructure and maintain essential public services.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, State Urban Property Development Authority (KNUPDA), Mr Bashir Mudi Adamu disclosed that four markets in Kano metropolitan area have been scheduled for re-development, starting with Kantin Kwari market, stating that presently, the reconstruction of Unity and Filin Parking roads in the market have commenced.

On his part, the Emir of Kano, Mr Muhammadu Sanusi II, stressed the need for people in the state to engage in meaningful ventures, given the huge commercial potentials of the state, stressing the need for them to conduct their business transactions in line with Islamic injunctions.