The Kano State government has revealed plans to privatize the waste management sector, with a renewed focus on avoiding the pitfalls that undermined previous privatization efforts.
The State Commissioner for Environment & Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim disclosed this at the flag-off of this year's annual drainage clearance exercise at Baban Gwari Roundabout on Friday.
According to the commissioner, the State Government is taking a cautious and strategic approach to ensure only capable stakeholders are engaged in the process.
Dr Hashim noted that “the government is currently assessing potential partners with proven capacity in areas such as the circular economy, recycling, and sustainable waste management.”
He emphasized that lessons have been learned from the previous attempt at privatization, which failed to deliver the expected results due to poor execution and lack of accountability.
“We are trying to see who are the capable people that can help in circular economy and other key areas of waste management,” the Commissioner stated.
He added that the government’s goal is to establish a more efficient and environmentally sustainable system that will improve sanitation across the state while creating economic opportunities.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Dr. Hashim the government “will clear major drainage channels across the state” in a proactive effort to address flooding ahead of the rainy season.
He also said, “It will remove waste and debris from key water channels to ensure free flow of stormwater during heavy rains.”
This effort comes in response to past incidents of flooding in the state, which have caused significant damage to homes, roads, and public infrastructure.
