Kano state government is to construct a waste recycling company, to be named Shara Dukiya Nigeria Ltd., at the cost of 100 million USD (about N36 billion) at Kawo, in Gabasawa local government area of the state, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has revealed.
During the foundation laying ceremony of the project, which literally means “Waste is Wealth Nigeria Ltd.”, Governor Ganduje explained that it would be executed under a public/private partnership with Waste Services International of Malta and City Central Group of Companies, a Lagos based company.
“Under this collaboration, government is to provide the site and continue to support the company with necessary assistance to ensure the sustainability of the programme thus representing 40% of the partnership contribution” the governor stated.
He added that “on their part, the two companies are to provide part funding for the manufacture, delivery and installation of the plants in addition to the provision of skilled manpower requirement and the engagement of our teaming unemployed youth, putting their combined investment in the project at 60% of the total financial structure”.
Governor Ganduje maintained that the decision by the his administration to establish the plant was informed by the need to properly handle municipal solid waste, which is being generated in large quantity on daily basis, in view of the high population and heterogeneous nature of Kano State.
When the company becomes fully operation, the governor assured that the problem of refuse being its major raw material of will be completely resolved, adding that farmers will have alternative source of fertilizer for enhanced agricultural production in the state.
Restating destination to deal decisively with the sanitation challenges facing Kano, Governor Ganduje explained that since inception about 15 months ago, his administration has expended not less than N2 billion in the area of refuse collection and management as demonstrated by the provision of heavy waste disposal plants and equipment, construction of more drainages and dredging of major ones at sundry locations in the state capital.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, City Central Group of Companies, Chief Mike Nwakalor, explained that the company, which is expected to be completed within the 18 months would create nearly 10, 000 direct and indirect jobs.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, Waste Services International, Mr. Karl F. Wismayer explained that besides transfer of technology, their group would pay a lot of attention to community education on sustainable environmental management, especially through engaging schools.
The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, represented by the Sarkin Dawaki Maituta, Alh. Bello Abubakar appealed to the Federal government to actualize the Green Wall Project, to save the northern axis of Kano from desert encroachment and commended Kano state government for its foresight in conceiving the waste treatment project.
