Kano govt halts illegal construction at Kwari Market
By Editor
The Kano State Government has halted construction work at a building in Kwari Market over alleged illegal development.
The Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), Alhaji Dalhatu Sani, stated this when he spoke with newsmen shortly after he led a team of officials on an inspection visit to the site on Sunday in Kano.
Sani said that the action followed complaints by individuals alleging that the structure was being erected without proper approval.
He said the government would not tolerate illegal construction, especially those blocking access roads and posing safety risks.
“You cannot just wake up because you have money or resources and block access roads meant for the public,” Sani said.
He said that the market, known for its large textile trade, needed to be properly organised and modernised, not obstructed by unauthorised buildings.
According to him, many of such structures are often built secretly at night to avoid detection.
“This is why we have to act. These illegal structures can cause serious problems like flooding or make it difficult for emergency services, especially during fire outbreaks,” he added.
Sani warned that the government would not allow such practice to continue, not only in Kwari Market but across markets in the state.
“We are not going to sleep on this. Anybody involved in illegal construction should stop, because the consequences will not be good,” he said.
He also said that all developers must follow due process by obtaining proper permits before starting construction work at any site.
“You cannot just get land from anywhere and start building without documents or approval. We will investigate and take lawful action against anyone involved,” he said.
Sani said that the structure would be demolished to restore order and ensure public safety in the market.
