Kwarans sell distributed mosquito nets

The Kwara state government distributed mosquito nets across the sixteen Local Government Areas of the state. The exercise started on Thursday, September 28 and ended on the 3rd of October.

The scheme was aimed at fulfilling the state’s obligations in eradicating the upsurge of Malaria and other communicable diseases.

The State commissioner for health, Alhaji Atolagbe Alege earlier disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that cards for the free distribution has begun. It was confirmed that each household was given 4 cards for 4 mosquito nets.

The collection of the mosquito nets was restricted to only females alone as they were meant to collect for their respective families. However, against the warning of the commissioner of health, that they should make use of the nets domestically, some of the people sold the nets to middlemen who in turn offered them for sale to the public.

In Jankara section of Owode market in Offa Local government, one of the traders of mosquito nets spoke with our correspondent.

The woman, who sought anonymity for the fear of being apprehended, said;

“We’ve been buying the mosquito nets, though the government has warned against it. The business is secretly done since the warning of the government officers came and they’ve threatened us with CIDs. Now, if you want to sell, we buy one at the rate of #100.”

Speaking with Mrs. Ibrahim, a roadside trader, she explained that the mosquito nets are not what they needed presently.

“Why won’t we sell the mosquito nets when people are hungry? The state government has been owing salaries for more than 5 months. Most of these workers are buying on credit from us.” she said.

Mr. Ishola who owns a block industry also stated when speaking with our correspondent that the nonpayment of salaries has affected everything including their businesses.

In an interview with the Head of the health department of Offa l.G.A, Mallam Gidado S. I, it was made known that the department is unaware of the act. Mallam Gidado denied knowing about the unfortunate occurrence.

“We just finished the distribution and we don’t expect the people to sell the nets. The nylon pack of the nets were removed just to discourage selling. But as we all that know among humans, we’ll see animals. Thanks for bringing this to our notice.”  He said.

He assured the public that proper sensitization will be done and checks will be put in place to stop the activities of the buyers and sellers.