For several years, the Baban Gwari Roundabout, close to the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano State, has remained a symbol of frustration and suffering for commuters and residents alike.

With every heavy rainfall, the area transforms into a flooded mess, crippling traffic and threatening lives and livelihoods.

Despite repeated outcries and intermittent government attention, the problem has persisted—until now, perhaps with some concrete steps finally underway.

SolaceBase has discovered that the menace is largely a result of a combination of human negligence and infrastructural decay.

The indiscriminate dumping of waste into drainage channels and the proliferation of illegal structures around the roundabout have severely impaired the natural flow of water.

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These factors, compounded by years of poor maintenance, have led to chronic silting and recurrent flooding, especially during the rainy season.

During a visit to the area, SolaceBase encountered a scene of frustration and despair. Commuters and traders expressed deep concern over the continued neglect of the roundabout.

A trader who identified himself as Malam Usman Sani said, “We suffer every year. Once rain starts, everywhere is flooded. Even commuters avoid this place because of the stagnant water and dirt.”

A commuter, Tijjani Ibrahim, lamented the lack of proper drainage: “Last week, I was stuck here. My bike nearly broke down because of the water. It’s always the same story every year. We.”

Many believe that the worsening condition of the roundabout has economic implications.

A tricycle rider, Abdullahi Mai Arsenal, lamented about the worsening situation of the place, saying, “It’s not worth risking my life or damaging my motorcycle.”

Responding to the concerns, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, admitted that the situation is dire and has been made worse by the actions of marketers and residents.

“Following the recent heavy rainfall and flooding around Kurna and Baban Gwari Roundabout, I conducted an inspection visit alongside my colleague, the Honorable Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Marwan Ahmad, to assess the situation and uncover the root causes, despite our administration’s ongoing desilting efforts in these areas,” he said.

He revealed that the inspection uncovered rampant dumping of refuse into water channels by marketers stretching from Kofar Ruwa Market to Baban Gwari.

He added that illegal constructions were also found to have narrowed waterways, making flooding inevitable.

SolaceBase learned that in a swift response, Dr. Hashim said excavation and desilting have already commenced in Kurna.

Additionally, the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) has marked illegal structures along Baban Gwari for demolition to reclaim obstructed water passages.

“We are compiling a detailed report of these findings and ongoing interventions, which will be presented to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for further directives, including possible expansion of the affected drainages,” the commissioner added.

He also issued a stern warning: “Let me be very clear: this administration will not tolerate the reckless dumping of refuse or the erection of illegal structures that endanger lives, property, and our environment.”