Traders at the famous Kantin Kwari Market in Kano have called on the Kano State Government to immediately demolish illegal structures erected on waterways and public passages within the market, warning that failure to act could trigger severe flooding and pose serious safety risks to thousands of traders and customers.
The appeal comes as the Kano State Special Task Force Committee on Illegal Structures intensified its enforcement operations across Kano metropolis, sealing more than 40 illegal structures and ordering the stoppage of several ongoing developments found to be in violation of planning regulations.
A major focus of the committee’s latest operation was an illegal plaza under construction at Kwarin-Gogau, located within the Plaza Line section of Kantin Kwari Market.
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The Chairman of the committee and Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, said the structure was illegally erected on a waterway known for annual flooding during the rainy season.
According to him, the development not only violates urban planning laws but also obstructs natural drainage channels and emergency access routes within the market.
Dr. Sani warned that the continued obstruction of the waterway could worsen flooding incidents and endanger lives and property in one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs.
He therefore ordered the immediate stoppage of construction activities on the site and announced that the structure would be demolished in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
“The structure is built on a waterway and constitutes a major threat to public safety. Such developments cannot be allowed to remain because they expose traders and residents to flooding and other disasters,” he said.
The KANGIS Director-General stressed that the Kano State Government remains committed to protecting public infrastructure, drainage corridors, road setbacks, and waterways from illegal encroachment.
He also warned developers against erecting structures on market routes, drainage channels, roads, and other restricted public spaces.
Traders Demand Immediate Demolition
Reacting to the development, traders in the market welcomed the committee’s action and urged the state government to ensure the immediate demolition of all illegal structures obstructing waterways and public passages.
One of the traders, Mustapha Sharif, who spoke with journalists including GLOBAL TRACKER correspondent Sani Magaji Garko, said the government must act swiftly to prevent flooding and ensure easy movement within the market during emergencies.
Sharif noted that the blocked waterway at Kwarin-Gogau poses a serious danger to businesses operating in the area, particularly during the rainy season.
He warned that delayed action could result in the destruction of goods worth millions of naira and expose traders to avoidable losses.
“The government should immediately demolish the illegal structures. If the waterway remains blocked, flooding is inevitable. We also need clear access routes in case of fire outbreaks or any other emergency situation,” he said.
Another trader, Abdullahi Gambo, also appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) to urgently rescue the market from what he described as a looming environmental disaster.
According to him, the increasing number of structures built on drainage channels and waterways has significantly heightened the risk of flooding within the market.
“The government must save this market. Looking at the present situation, flooding is imminent if urgent measures are not taken. The authorities should act before lives and property are put at risk,” Gambo stated.
Task Force Expands Crackdown
Beyond Kantin Kwari Market, the committee also sealed over 40 illegal structures across Kano metropolis, including garages, plazas, commercial buildings, construction sites, and a modern bread-making factory located at Danladi Nasidi Quarters.
The bread factory was reportedly sealed following complaints from residents who argued that an industrial facility should not operate within a residential neighborhood.
Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani explained that owners of the affected properties have been directed to appear before the committee with relevant approvals and documentation for verification.
He noted that the exercise is aimed at ensuring compliance with planning regulations rather than punishing property owners.
The chairman emphasized that all developments in Kano State must conform to approved land-use plans and building regulations.
Tal’udu Bridge Structures Stopped
The committee also ordered the stoppage of illegal construction activities around the Tal’udu Bridge corridor.
According to Dr. Sani, the affected area was originally reserved for landscaping and vegetation cover intended to beautify the bridge and improve the surrounding environment.
He said allowing illegal developments in the area would undermine the urban renewal objectives of the Kano State Government.
Call for Public Cooperation
The committee chairman appealed to members of the public to support the enforcement exercise by reporting illegal structures to relevant authorities.
He reiterated that buildings constructed on waterways, drainage channels, road setbacks, market routes, and other restricted locations would not be tolerated.
Dr. Sani assured residents that the committee would continue its operations across Kano State to safeguard lives, protect public infrastructure, and promote orderly urban development.
For traders at Kantin Kwari Market, however, the immediate concern remains the blocked Kwarin-Gogau waterway, which they fear could become the source of devastating flooding if urgent demolition and drainage restoration measures are not carried out before the peak of the rainy season.