Provision of modern infrastructure at Dawanau International Grains market, in Kano state, will upgrade its status and enhance socio-economic activities in the state, the State Project Coordinator, Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project, KSADP, Malam Ibrahim Garba has assured.
Currently, the market, which is the largest grains market in the West African sub-region, lacks infrastructural facilities, to the extent that its growth and development are being challenged.
The Project Coordinator, made the assertion during the formal handing over of the market site to Akam Consultant Ltd., the company engaged to conduct design and supervision services, for provision of infrastructure at the market.
The consultancy was awarded barely two weeks ago, by Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project, KSADP, purposely for design and supervision of the construction of drainage facilities, main roads and secondary access roads, electrification, provision of toilet facilities, market information system, police outpost, Mosque, offices and conference room, at the cost of N29, 775, 000.
“The planned intervention will help to standardize the physical outlook of the market and promote ease of doing business, thereby attracting more patronage for the market, among other advantages”.
In his remarks, the Managing Director, Kano Sate Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, KNARDA, Dr. Junaidu Yakubu Muhammad, said the state government is interested in transforming the market because of its position in the scheme of economic affairs, pointing out that the intended SAPZ project in Kano and the Kano-Maradi railway line will add impetus to the transformation initiatives.
The Caretaker Chairman, Dawanau Market Association, Alh. Muhammad Sani Ahmad, the Sarkin Kasuwa and representatives of various commodity associations, who witnessed the occasion, were full of gratitude to the government of Kano State and the Islamic Development Bank, for the interventions, intended to change the face of the market for good.
In a related activity, the KSADP has formally handed over five Cattle markets in Kano, to the consultants engaged for design and supervision of civil works, for upgrade of the markets.
During a symbolic and short occasion held at Dambatta Cattle market, the, the KSADP Coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Garba, stated that the markets scheduled for improvement are Danbatta, Wudil, Gwarzo, Falgore and Dunbulum, to reduce loss of value in marketed animals, including reduction of mortality during transportation.
“The consultancy work for the improvement of the cattle markets was awarded to Emwai Consult Ltd., at the cost of N22, 876, 525. 75.”.
Source: Ameen K. Yassar
Project Communication Specialist
