By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Health Insurance for Kwara sweepers
The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has introduced health insurance for all street sweepers in the state, emphasizing the importance of their health and well-being for optimal performance at work.
Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi announced this initiative on Saturday in Ilorin during an interactive session with the sweepers. Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Malam Shehu Ndanusa, Alabi stated that the sweepers would be registered by state health insurance officials and provided with enrollment cards for use at state-owned hospitals.
“Most of the sweepers are indigenes and have the opportunity to access the health insurance for free. All they need to do is get registered,” Alabi said. “This is to encourage them to perform well in their work and to show that their health is paramount to us.”
The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Hajiya Nafisat Buge, also spoke at the event, highlighting the celebration of workers who tirelessly maintain the city’s cleanliness. She emphasized the importance of prompt monthly allocations for sanitation operations, truck repairs, and worker payments.
“This occasion allows workers to express their challenges and hazards in keeping the state clean and to discuss the way forward,” said Buge, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Ayinla.
One of the sweepers, Abosede Amuda, expressed gratitude on behalf of her colleagues for the state government’s timely salary payments, noting they received their June payment before the Sallah celebration. However, she mentioned that the 15,000 Naira monthly salary was insufficient due to high transportation costs and rising food prices.
“We plead with the government to increase our salary, considering the hike in transportation fare and increase in prices of foodstuffs in the market,” Amuda said.
The sweepers also requested the deployment of more environmental task force officials to ensure proper refuse disposal, as some residents deliberately dump waste on the roads.
NAN reports that 25 sweepers were awarded for their diligent service, each receiving 5,000 Naira and a large food warmer. Additionally, all sweepers present at the event were provided with transportation fare back home.
sweepers, insurance
Health Insurance for Kwara sweepers