Scavengers in Kaduna are cashing in on massive road construction by the state government as they storm the sites to take away discarded iron rods and other materials.
The state government’s urban renewal programme covering road expansion and construction of flyover bridges has provided higher income for the youthful scavengers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the youths storm the construction sites, including those around Tudun Wada/Kasuwan Barci Road in their large numbers to collect disused iron rods and plates in particular.
Some of the youths who spoke with NAN said the projects had become a double blessing as roads are widening and they are making more money from scavenging at the sites.
Khalifa Salihu, a 22-year-old resident of Tudun Wada area said he came out early to collect iron rods.
He says he sells the iron rods at the scrap market at the rate of N170 to N270 per kilogram depending on the quality.
“We are happy with this development because it has opened doors for us in the iron scavenging business as we do not lack what to eat nor drink in this business.
“We are experiencing progress from the on-going road rehabilitation at Kasuwan Barci.’
“I make about N20,000 to N50,000 in a day from the sale of discarded iron rods and plates. We thank God for this,’’ he said.
Similarly Abubakar Umar, 23, said he had been making a lot of money since construction work began.
Umar commended the state government for extending the road rehabilitation project to his area said: “as you can see, I have gotten few iron rods which is worth N2,000. I am happy.’’
Another scavenger, Abubakar Sadik, said he had been in the scavenging business for five years and that he buys metals from boys who work at the sites for sale at the scrap market.
