KNSG did a lot to better people’s lives --Commissioner
By NASIRU MUHAMMAD

IT has been observed that the Shekarau-led administration has, since coming to office, did a number of things to better the lives of Kano people.
Making the observation last week, was the state commissioner of planning and budget, Alhaji Nour Sani Hanga, at the opening of a workshop for 11 local government councils on water related issues funded by the European Union (EU).
He said the state government developed and adopted a 10-point resolution which committed it to applying the principle of honesty, probity, openness and transparency in handling public affairs.
The commissioner explained that the resolutions also committed government to producing realistic annual budget and to strictly adhere to their implementation, adding that it also developed a strategy and policy framework for tackling poverty, providing empowerment, tackling under development in the medium term called (KC’s).
He said the KC’s reiterate and re-enforces government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, that the government does not only articulate physical programmes and initiatives aimed at empowering the people, but describe the manner in which the initiatives will be persued as well.
The budget commissioner added that in 2006, the Shekarau administration also embarked on a fundamental and comprehensive reform initiative of the state budget, something that made the state the first in the country to use a consolidated budgeting approach using the new chart of account.
Speaking earlier, Kano the state commissioner for local government, Alhaji Musa Sulaiman Shanono, called on people to ensure that only credible and acceptable leaders emerge as leaders at local governments, so that our areas would experience a lot of growth.
He said as a third tier of government, local government in Nigeria is a system in which people at the grassroot level become directly involved in the management of their affairs, either by elections or appointments.
The commissioner stated that people from their respective local communities enjoy the opportunity whereby their opinions, contributions or inputs are obtained through the elected representatives who may either be elected or appointed for the purposes which affect them.
He said local governments play very important roles in terms of economic development, among others.
Meanwhile, the commissioner explained that the European Union (EU) assisted programme such as in the water supply sanitation sector reform programme, is very relevant towards improved infrastructure and service delivery in local governments.
“The water supply sanitation sector reform programme in particular, contributes towards achieving sustainable water supply sanitation and hygiene services, thus it is a significant step towards poverty reduction.”
He said both local governments and EU play important roles in terms of service delivery which lead to the development of the society, stating that it is important that all stakeholders of water supply programme to give maximum cooperation and be seriously committed to the success of the exercise.
He expressed his ministry’s assurance and cooperation towards achieving the goals of this vital programme.
Local governments that attended the workshop included, Minjibir, Dawakin Kudu, Tsanyawa, Takai and Karaye.
Others were; Bunkure, Madobi, Kabo, Sumaila, Rogo and Gaya.