By Lai Garba.
A foundation in Katsina State, ‘Mangal Foundation’, has donated materials for the maintenance, repair and sanitation for cemeteries in the state.
Speaking during the distribution of the materials on Saturday in Katsina, the Chairman of the organising committee, Alhaji Bala Usman-Deda commended the gesture.
He said they are planning to repair and sanitise about 27 graveyards within the metropolitan area of the state, but starting with eight at the moment.
The Chairman listed the cemeteries as; Tsohuwn Danmarna, Sabuwar Danmarna, Dantakun, Abbatoir, Rimin Badawa, Tudun Yallifida, Medical center and Sabon Gida Cemetery.
According to him, the support from Alhaji Dahiru Mangal will attract abundant rewards now and hereafter.
“The foundation has assured us that anytime we need something related to repairs of the graveyards and other needs there, we should always intimate him.
“With this kind of support, we are hoping that in the future we can also go beyond the graveyards within the town, but up to those outside the metropolis,” he said.
According to him, during the sanitation exercise which commenced today, the committee will ensure that any grave that needs repair, will be repaired.
He explained that any graveyard that needs drainage system, will be provided, and those that need repairs will also be repaired by the foundation through the committee.
Also speaking, Magajin Garin Katsina, Alhaji Aminu Abdulmumin-Kabir said in the past years, such exercise was carried out through contribution realised from the public.
Abdulmumin-Kabir, represented by the Wakilin Kudu, Alhaji Abdu Iliyasu said it is a good development to have a single person handling it now.
While commending the gesture, he called on other wealthy individuals in the state to also emulate, saying that only God can reward them for doing that.
In his remarks, Alhaji Lawal Isa-Sullubawa, a special adviser to the foundation said they have been doing such gestures for a long time, but this is the first time a committee was involved.
According to him, the foundation which was initiated for the support and development of people, did not leave behind those lying in the graves, especially during the rainy season.
He explained that they will ensure that all that is needed in those graveyards will be provided in order to keep them tidy and clean.
Some of the materials donated are; insecticide spraying pumps and the chemicals, wheelbarrows and rain boots, among other items.