By Uzair Adam
The Kano State Government has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the movement of vehicles and the operation of motor parks during environmental sanitation hours, warning that violators will face strict penalties.
The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, issued the warning on Saturday while overseeing the end-of-month sanitation exercise across motor parks, markets, and major roads in the state.
He announced plans to block key roads to prevent travellers from entering Kano during designated sanitation hours.
The commissioner also highlighted gaps in waste management, emphasising the need for immediate intervention.
“The issue of vehicle movement during sanitation hours will not be taken lightly, especially for those coming from outside Kano who continue to violate our regulations.
In the next exercise, we will deploy adequate security and block some roads leading into the state,” he said.
Dr Hashim also criticised motor parks that remained operational during the sanitation period, stressing that such actions would not be tolerated.
“Some motor parks continue their business activities in defiance of the law, which is unacceptable. We will take decisive steps to ensure compliance,” he added.
He urged residents and travellers to respect the restrictions and adjust their travel plans to avoid disruptions.
He reiterated that any individual or transport operator caught violating the directive would face strict penalties.
“I want to express my displeasure over the continuous movement of vehicles during sanitation hours. This is a clear violation of existing regulations, and anyone who fails to comply will face appropriate sanctions,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hashim commended the residents of the Kauyen Alu community in the Tarauni Local Government Area for actively cleaning their environment, including cemeteries, drainage channels, and surrounding areas.
The Chairman of Tarauni Local Government, Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad, lauded the commissioner’s commitment to environmental cleanliness, assuring him of the local government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate open defecation and enhance sanitation standards.
During the exercise, the task force arrested 28 offenders and imposed fines totalling N78,000 on those who violated sanitation laws.