Kano state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has announced that his administration is converting abandoned public structures in the state to purposeful infrastructure, befitting of a megacity.
“Instead of allowing economically viable structures to lay fallow, we are considering proposals on how to make the projects that will change the physical landscape of Kano as well as revenue earners for the state”, he said.
Apparently responding to allegations by critics that his administration was selling off public property, Dr. Ganduje said:” we need to be innovative in ensuring that such abandoned structures are converted into edifices that will ensure the sustainability of Kano city”. Therefore, critics will not lead us to derail from our goal”.
He said his administration was focused on re-inventing the economy of Kano and would not sit and watch reasonably viable infrastructure to continue to add zero value to the socio-economic status of the state.
Dr. Ganduje made the assertion on today (Wednesday) shortly after presentations before the state executive council, by two companies, willing to work with the state government to transform two abandoned public structures, on a build-operate-transfer basis.
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The first proposal was from FARI Properties Ltd, intending to transform the abandoned Daula Hotel in the state capital into a residential complex while the other proposal was from LAMASH Properties Ltd., who signified intention to remodel the old Triumph Publishing Company to a Modern Forex Market.
In a statement signed by Director-General, Media and Public Relations, Government House, Kano state Ameen K Yassar said the State Executive Council would consider proposals on how to make the best use of the abandoned public property and make due consultations before arriving at a decision that would be in the best public interest.
Gov. Ganduje said he was particularly disturbed about the security situation at WAPA Forex market, in the vicinity of Triumph Publishing Company, which was operating under a fragmented arrangement, even as the hitherto moribund Triumph Publishing Company needed more compact space in a serene environment and modern equipment, to make it a resilient public enterprise.
