The Sokoto State Ministry of Environment has given licences to seven private companies on refuse collection in the state.
Speaking, the Commissioner of Environment, Sagir Bafarawa said he was concerne with the large volume of refuse generated daily in the state.
“If refuse is left unattended, the immediate environment may no longer be safe and the attendant consequences is outbreak of communicable diseases that could lead to loss of lives,” he said
According to Bafarawa, it is in view of this that they resolved to employ the services of private companies.
The Commissioner explained that the companies were given a temporary licence and that their performance within six months would determine whether or not to be given a permanent licence.
He added that they were selected based on their financial capacity, equipment and experience in refuse collection.
Bafarawa said that the ministry had constructed five modern refuse bunkers in the metropolis and purchased 10 refuse evacuation trucks.
He said that 26 garbage tricycle machines and two wheel loaders were also purchased by the ministry.
