Al-Mustapha Calls For Decongestion Of Kano To Stop Deaths

Hadi Al-Mustapha, younger brother of Hamza Al-Mustapha, has called for the decongestion of densely populated parts of Kano city to spread spread of infectious diseases among the population.

Al-Mustapha also supports the call by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje for the easing of the total lockdown declared on the state by President Muhammadu Buhari as an immediate measure to stop the daily deaths being recorded in the ancient city.

Al-Mustapha, who spoke to THE WHISTLER on Friday, said the state capital consists of eight local governments, some of which are densely populated, adding that the density of population provides good conditions for the spread of infectious diseases including Covid-19, tuberculosis and hepatitis.

Kano State has recorded 219 covid-19 cases with three deaths. But more than 150 persons have reportedly died in the state, with the cause of death now a subject of investigation.

The rising deaths compelled President Buhari to declare a total lockdown of the state for two weeks.

“If you look at the places where most of these deaths have occurred, you will see that they are in overpopulated areas where diseases can be easily transferred.

“So in the long term, I suggest that the government should think of decongesting densely populated areas by first removing and relocating the several markets, especially in kano city to areas with less density.

“The government can also embark on what some call urban renewal, ensuring residential areas are well planned to allow better ventilation.”

As a short term measure, he called on President Muhammdu Buhari to immediately ease the total lockdown on the state and instead make it mandatory for all residents and visitors to wear facemask and practice proper hygiene.

“The total lockdown is counter-productive in a place like kano. People need access to food and medical care and when you lock them down, there would be more deaths, and that is what is happening.

“If you look at the time we started hearing of deaths in kano, it was after the government declared stay-at-home. So I support the call by Governor Ganduje for the relaxation of lockdown. But people must start wearing facemask and use hand sanitizers.”

Al-Mustapha, who is an importer and producer of pharmaceutical products, disclosed that malaria, hypertension and diabetes are the most common illnesses among the people.

“The drugs that sell highest here are drugs for malaria, diabetes and hypertension. Of course, you also have antibiotics.”