Human waste evacuators in Kano State have appealed to the government to provide more waste disposal sites and evacuation trucks to improve sanitation services and support their livelihoods.
The Chairman of the Gidan Kowa Da Akwai Association of Human Waste Evacuators, Ibrahim Muhammad, made the appeal in an interview in Kano. He said the association had more than 1,000 registered members, with many others operating outside the association.
Muhammad, who has worked in the sector for about 30 years, said human waste evacuation provided income for hundreds of workers and their families. He added that the association sensitised members on safer practices and worked with the state Ministry of Environment on issues affecting the sector.
He identified inadequate trucks as one of the major challenges facing operators, noting that many workers depend on a single mini-truck to transport waste to disposal locations. He said operators were willing to access government-backed loans to acquire more vehicles.
Muhammad also called for additional designated disposal sites, saying only one facility at Janguza, Kwanar Mahuwa was currently available, while some former sites had become unsuitable after residential development around them.
He urged the government to address improper waste disposal and discourage children from being involved in the work. He also appealed to residents to stop stigmatising waste evacuators, stressing that their services were essential to maintaining public sanitation.
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