COVID 19: Kaduna fumigates central market, bans okada, tricycles



Kaduna state government, Wednesday fumigated the Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Central Market, while banning the operations of commercial motorcycles and tricycles within the metropolis, because they don’t satisfy social distancing.


Addressing a state broadcast on Wednesday, the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, said the decision was taken after senior government officials met to review the level of compliance of the initial restraints placed on the citizens to contain the spread of COVID 19.
A statement on the Kaduna State Market Development and Management Company Limited twitter handle reads, “this evening, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi (Central) Market is being fumigated and disinfected as a measure to combat the spread of COVID – 19”.


According to Dr Balarabe, “Commercial buses  are allowed to operate for now but must comply to the new rule of not more than two passengers per row. Government is ready to suspend all forms of pubic transportation if circumstances compel it.
‘’Further to this, the Kaduna state government will today (Wednesday) be taking steps to stop the Abuja-Kaduna train service which needs to be suspended for a few weeks,’’ she added.
“Government has directed all utility vehicles that have been assigned to officials be recalled in order to enhance the state’s capacity for rapid response and contact tracing, monitoring and supervision of surveillance activities should any positive case be identified.
“The vehicles should be parked in the yard of the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure. Drivers of the utility vehicles should also report to the Commissioner of Public Works to submit their contact details,’’ she directed.


According to Dr Hadiza, payment of salaries for March 2020 has commenced but she advised everyone to be financially prudent, given the tough times that lie ahead. 
‘’The state government is committed to getting food and necessities across to identified vulnerable groups should a lockdown become inevitable. The required supplies are being procured while a system of distribution to the persons that most need them is being worked out,’’ she assured.
Dr Balarabe reiterated the ban on large gatherings, the closure of markets, with the exception of traders in food, medicines and essential items, including the need for people to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.


‘’Government recognises that compliance with these measures come with a level of inconvenience for which we readily apologise. But we trust that everyone understands the necessity for these sacrifices as the most pragmatic way to keep people safe and alive,’’ she added.

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