Kano Waste Evacuators Seek More Trucks, Disposal Sites

Human waste evacuators in Kano State have appealed to the government to provide more trucks and designated disposal sites to improve sanitation services and sustain their livelihoods.

The Chairman of the Gidan Kowa Da Akwai Association of Human Waste Evacuators, Ibrahim Muhammad, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Kano.

Muhammad said the association had more than 1,000 registered members, while many other operators remained outside the association.

He said human waste evacuation provided livelihoods for hundreds of workers and their families, with more young people joining the sector.

According to him, the major challenges facing operators include inadequate trucks and limited access to designated waste disposal sites.

Muhammad said more than 20 people could depend on a single mini-truck to transport evacuated waste, making additional vehicles necessary for efficient operations.

He urged the government to provide trucks or make accessible loans available to operators to enable them to acquire vehicles and improve their businesses.

The chairman also called for the creation of more disposal sites, saying Janguza, Kwanar Mahuwa, was currently the only designated site available to operators.

He said some disposal sites previously provided by the government had become unusable after residential buildings were constructed around them.

Muhammad said the association was working with the government to curb improper waste disposal and prevent children from being engaged in the work.

He added that the association maintained a cordial relationship with the state Ministry of Environment and regularly sensitised members on safer and more responsible waste evacuation practices.

Muhammad appealed to residents to stop stigmatising human waste evacuators, stressing that their work was essential to maintaining sanitation and public health in Kano.