Kano Govt. clears eight months’ salary arrears of 2,369 street sweepers

The Kano State Government has disbursed eight months’ salary arrears to 2,369 street sweepers, fulfilling its commitment to improving the welfare of essential workers.

The official payment launch took place on Wednesday at the Coronation Hall, Government House.

Speaking at the event, Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, stated that the government had initially paid one month’s salary to ease the workers’ financial burden while working on a sustainable payment system.

“Today, we have provided ATM cards to these workers, each loaded with their eight-month salary arrears. This means that all outstanding payments have now been settled. Moving forward, they will receive their salaries promptly every month, In Sha Allah,” Dr. Hashim announced.

He urged the workers to remain dedicated to their duties and to continue praying for Governor Yusuf’s administration’s success, especially during this sacred period. He also underscored the vital role of street sweepers in maintaining a cleaner and healthier Kano.

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Dr. Hashim appreciated the governor for his unwavering support and commitment to the state’s development, particularly in environmental sanitation and public welfare.

“As you can see today, we have organized this event to clear the pending salaries of city sweepers employed in Kano. Since assuming office, we have made relentless efforts to ensure their services continue uninterrupted,” he stated.

He highlighted the challenges the government faced upon assuming office, noting that many street sweepers had not been paid for six months. “When we took over, we realized that these workers had not received their salaries for about six months. Two months later, the arrears accumulated to eight months,” he explained.

“What we did today was to settle all outstanding payments. We have provided them with ATM cards fully loaded with their salaries for nine months. The goal is to complement the ongoing state government projects, particularly in urban renewal,” he added.

Dr. Hashim emphasized that a clean city aligns with the state government’s efforts to modernize road networks and improve infrastructure. “The state government is working tirelessly to construct new roads and modernize existing ones. We cannot afford to have our streets littered. These sweepers are the backbone of our urban renewal efforts,” he said.

He further revealed that plans were underway to introduce mechanized street cleaning. “We are developing a model that will allow us to wash some roads with soap and water daily. Hopefully, we will kickstart this initiative in the next three to four months, In Sha Allah,” he stated.

The commissioner disclosed that the government had screened and opened bank accounts for 2,369 street sweepers, with 2,006 ATM cards ready for collection. “We have informed them that their accounts will be credited today, In Sha Allah. By tomorrow, they will be able to access their money. Some workers have already started receiving alerts,” he noted.

To ensure timely payments in the future, Dr. Hashim assured that salaries would be disbursed on the same day as other government officials. “We have put measures in place to ensure that none of their salaries will be withheld again. Going forward, they will receive their salaries the same day as directors and commissioners,” he assured.

Dr. Hashim also emphasized the need for proper uniforms and protective gear for the sweepers. “His Excellency has instructed that their uniforms be renewed. Face masks, protective shoes, and other safety gear will also be provided to them,” he announced.

A beneficiary, Dayyaba Abubakar from Kumbotso Local Government, confirmed receiving her salary and expressed gratitude to the state governor for his generosity. “I thank His Excellency for his kindness and support towards street sweepers in Kano,” she said.

Another street sweeper, Salisu Sani, also expressed appreciation. “I am very grateful to the Kano State Government for settling our outstanding salaries. This has lifted a great burden off our shoulders,” he stated.