Kano human waste evacuators seek trucks, sites support to sustain livelihoods

Human waste evacuators in Kano have appealed to the state government to provide more disposal sites and trucks for effective sanitation services.

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

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

He said human waste evacuation provided livelihoods for hundreds of workers and their families, adding that more youths were joining the sector.

Muhammad, who had been in the business for 30 years, said the association worked to improve members’ welfare by sensitising them on better methods of carrying out their duties.

He said the association also intervened in disputes between members and customers, adding that it had resolved many cases.

Muhammad said the association maintained a cordial relationship with the Ministry of Environment, which invited its representatives whenever issues concerning the sector arose.

He said members also paid taxes to government and received support when necessary.

The chairman said shortage of trucks for transporting evacuated waste to designated disposal sites remained a major challenge to operators.

He said more than 20 people could depend on a single mini-truck for transporting waste, and appealed to government to provide additional vehicles.

Muhammad said members were ready to access government support through loans to acquire trucks and improve their operations.

He also called for more designated disposal sites, saying only one site at Janguza, Kwanar Mahuwa was currently available for the purpose.

Muhammad said other sites provided by government in the past could no longer be used because residential buildings had been constructed around them.

He said the association was working with the government to address improper disposal practices by some operators and the engagement of children in the work.

Muhammad appealed to members of the public to stop stigmatising human waste evacuators, saying the workers played an important role in maintaining sanitation in the state.