The problem with Nigeria is that the leaders talk too much about what needs to be done to improve the situation of things in the society without actually implementing them. For instance, they have been drumming the need to improve the state of education, tackle corruption, reduce poverty, improve social infrastructure and security situation, but evidence on the ground shows that the society is still scratching the surface in terms of solving these problems.
However, the effort of the administration of Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso of Kano state on road rehabilitation and reconstruction deserves commendation. All major road entries to Kano metropolis were expanded and drainages well constructed at both sides of the roads. They include Gwarzo, Hadejia, and Zaria roads. In the past, before the expansion works, commuters spent hours on the road before arrival to their various destinations. Local routes within the city and its surrounding neighborhood were equally rehabilitated. Flyover bridges which were seen by many people as complex and impossible task have today already sprang up to almost finishing level. Pedestrian bridge and iron crossing barrier, walkways were constructed along major traffic conflicts points.
This is a remarkable achievement. Congestion, traffic delay stressed vehicular pedestrian conflicts will be a thing of the past in the near future. Pedestrian crossing, traffic light, street lightening and above all, traffic monitors, KAROTA, were also introduced in the effort to safe-guard the people and harmonize the human activities in urban land space.
In the local region moreover, five kilometres of roads with street light were awarded in the 44 local government areas of Kano state. This will boost their socio-economic base as well as reduce rural-urban migration.
On solid waste management, which was another area of serious challenge, the administration has improved the capacity of REMASAB by acquiring more waste disposal equipment/machinery and recruited competent personnel to manage waste in Kano state. Also of much interest to note is the provision of waste deposit drums in all the nook and cranny of Kano metropolis which will facilitate mechanical evacuation by the assigned waste collection officials. All these were achieved within two years of the Kwankwaso administration.
On empowerment and informal sector organization, the empowerment of vulnerable groups like youth, women, etc. was accorded serious attention. More employment opportunities were provided in various sectors like agriculture, security, transportation, sport, tourism, education, etc. This is in an effort to empower the community. Informal sector activities which provided people with various sources of livelihood were also improved. For instance, organized street trading is now visible at Murtala Mohammed Library, State road by Iyaka road Junction, Post Office and Sani Abacha Way by Bompai road. This category of traders sells vegetables, fruits, meat and other essential commodities. Road-side mechanics were also reorganized and rehabilitated. Local barbers, patent medicine stores were also empowered.
Landscaping and beautification is another important feature of physical planning. Abandoned green areas and gardens in the city were resuscitated, street furniture were provided in addition to planting of more trees. Round-abouts were not left out as majority of them were rehabilitated; all in a bid to improve the quality of life of the people.
