From Edwin Olofu, Kano
Kano state governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has said that the demolition of illegal structures currently going on in the state is aimed at making Kano more habitable, modern and cosmopolitan.
Kwankwaso, who made the assertion during the public presentation of the new Kano state Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), explained that the government had no option but to initiate lands reforms despite their inconveniences, in the public interest.
He said the state government established the Kano Geographical Information System (KANGIS), to make C of O easily obtainable, pointing out that one of its benefits is the provision of precise and accurate geographical data.
“As a departure from the past, people can now get their land documents with ease and guaranteed security”, said Governor Kwankwaso, adding that the technology of KANGIS will be used to sanitise and secure the state capital and rid it of ghettos.
With this development, he stated that even petty traders and artisans can be able to obtain loans from financial institutions by using their certificates as collateral to increase their capital and improve their living conditions.
Kwankwaso advised people in the state to take advantage of the services offered by KANGIS and urged property owners to pay their outstanding ground rents and other statutory charges, to enable government provide more amenities and services.
According to the governor, “In this era of resource control, we have to look inward, identify our resources and device modern ways to control our resources. Land, undoubtedly, is our number one resource and if exploited rightly, it can sustain us in case of any eventuality”, the governor maintained.
