The Kano State Government has halted ongoing construction activities on waterways at Kwari Market as part of efforts to stop illegal structures blocking drainage channels and prevent flooding in the state.

The action was carried out on Wednesday by the 11-man task force committee set up by the state and led by the Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani.

Speaking during the exercise, Dr. Sani said the government would not allow structures to obstruct drainage systems or endanger lives and property.

He explained that many of the inspected areas, including Kwari Market, Tal’udu, Eastern Bypass, Mariri, and Danladi Nasidi, had several illegal developments.

“At Kwari Market, people are building on drainage channels and waterways. This drainage was originally about 50 metres, but because of selfish interests, it has been reduced to less than 10 metres. The Kano state government will not allow this,” he said.

He recalled that years ago, the area experienced serious flooding that led to the loss of lives and properties.

He warned that such developments must not be allowed to continue.

“This is not something we will tolerate. The government is responsible for protecting lives and property. These structures can endanger the lives of people in the market and, by extension, the entire Kano. If anyone knows of any illegal structure, they should come forward and report it to the committee,” he added.

Dr. Sani warned that the task force would continue to remove illegal structures.

He stressed that enforcement would not stop until order is restored.

He said anyone who chooses to ignore the warning is free to continue, adding that the task force will demolish the structure.

He noted that similar actions had been taken before and would be repeated whenever necessary.

He further explained that in Tal’udu, a mosque was also sealed for violating planning regulations.

“It is not only the mosque that was sealed. There are several illegal structures in those areas. Those places were taken over by the government. The land was originally reserved for specific purposes, possibly for a garden or other public use, but people went ahead and built on them. Anyone intending to build there must go through the proper authorities and follow due process. If approval is granted, then construction can proceed.”

“As for the sealing of the mosque, we are all Muslims and understand that Islam is based on law and order. This is not a situation where people can act without regulation or proper approval.”

Over 40 buildings were also sealed across the state during the operation.