Following public criticisms, the Kano State government has given reasons why it demolished the Government House Roundabout on Tuesday night, saying the structure was pulled down in the best interest of the public good.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Chief Press Secretary to Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“Prior to the exercise, the government had consulted professional engineers in the relevant fields who ascertained the fact that the roundabout construction was substandard and has the tendency to collapse between 2023 and 2024.
“This is because it is done with used foam work and too many sandy materials instead of normal cement concrete.
“Also, the structure is too tall to be placed in front of the Government House as it defaces its main gate which blocks the view for security surveillance.
“Additionally, it poses traffic challenges around the area because of its size, blocking the view of drivers accessing all routes linked through the roundabout.
“The government wishes to make it clear that it became very necessary to take down the structure for the purposes of immediate reconstruction and downsizing to ensure visibility of the Government House entrance and safety of motorists, ” the statement said.
Recall that the historic multi-million naira roundabout which was remodeled and renovated by the immediate past administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje at the cost of N160 million in 2017.
The edifice was constructed to serve as a state monument for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Kano as a state.