By Abdullahi Yusuf
An environmental scientist,Umar Saleh
Anka, has proposed an ambitious policy plan to transform the Kano State transportation sector.
Tagged:”Sustainable Transport in Kano: A Greener Future,”the draft aims to transform the state’s transport system placing strong emphasis on environmental sustainability.
Anka presented the policy plan in a paper he delivered on Wednesday at the ongoing Kano State Public Transport Police Dialogue at the Afficent Event Centre,Kano
Anka,who is the Director Environment and Climate Change,Kano State Watershed, Erosion and Climate Change Management Agency(KN-WECCMA), said: “From enhancing pollution control to promoting non-motorized transport, these policy proposals aim to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the transport sector and pave the way for a greener, more livable Kano.”
He said through the policy, substantial investments would be made in developing dedicated walking paths, bicycle lanes and safe crossing facilities throughout the state.
He said this would encourage residents to choose environmentally friendly modes of transportation for short trips, improving both sustainability and public health.
To support the growing number of electric vehicles, the policy also called for the development of a comprehensive network of charging stations across the state.
This,the draft said,would ensure that eco-friendly mobility options are accessible and convenient for all residents of the area.
In his welcome remarks at the Dialogue,the State Commissioner for Transport,Engr.Muhammad Diggol, said transport remains critical and backbone of economic growth as well as an important element of the security architecture of any city.
Diggol said a robust policy would provide a framework for the development of the state’s transport sub-sector of the economy.
“Accordingly,it has become imperative upon the ministry to provide a working framework anchored by an acceptable policy.This will help the government in actualizing its vision and mission of providing an efficient, affordable,safe, reliable and effective transport system in the state,”the Commissioner added.