The Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf-led administration in Kano State has explained its reason for demolishing the Government House Roundabout, an action that has attracted criticism.
This was contained in a Wednesday statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
The “Tumbin Giwa” roundabout along State Road by Government House has become a symbol of Kano state in the media and entertainment industry in the last few years.
The multi-million naira roundabout was remodeled and renovated by the immediate-past administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje at the cost of N160 million in 2017.
However, the structure was demolished in the early hours of Wednesday, and the state government has come out to give reasons for the action.
“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 read.