Residents Seek Ways To Beat Sokoto Heat

A motorcyclist taking a nap after riding in the scorching sun.

With the prevailing hot weather in Sokoto and temperature of over 40 degrees Celsius, many residents are seeking relief from the excruciating heat.

Many have been expressing discomfort over the prevailing situation which afafects the old, young, male and female.

The high temperature is noted to have significantly impacted on certain trades such as tea selling business, commercial motorcycle operators, popularly called Okada, and those who hawk their wares on wheelbarrow.

A number of commercial motorcycle operators, who before this period, spend time on road, are now seen taking shelter under tree shades when the heat is intense around 12 noon to 2pm.

One of the riders, Bashar, 20, said he could barely make N1,500 a day since the heat started but was hitherto making up to N3,000 between everyday.

“One has to keep away from the sun in order to remain healthy and stop the motorcycle from getting over heated,” he said.

Another motorcycle operator, Nura Musa, 21 who has spent five years in the business, also said his income from the business had declined since the weather became more hostile.

“I cannot realize as much as I used to at the end of each day for me to pay my master the daily N1,000 and have enough for my upkeep.’’

He prayed Allah to make rainfall come in time.

Caliphate Trust noticed proliferation of sachet water selling points in the Sokoto metropolis.

At one of the sachet water selling point along Kano Road nine-year-old Musa said he hawked sachet since the heat became intense.

“’I collect the water at N5 per sachet and sell at three for N20 making a small profit for myself. We sell to motorists and passers-by. I can get as much as N100 on a good day,” he said.

Similarly eight-year-old Aliyu said he sells a bucketful of sachet water at least twice daily. “It is a big bucket, my sister, Fatima, assists me when I am tired as a result of the scorching sun.”

Similarly Caliphate Trust observed an increase in the number of delivery vans delivering satchet water to shops in the metropolis following increased demand.

Also a new refreshing drink popularly known as ‘Gumba’ which tastes like Fura da Nono prepared with powdered milk, sugar and ice, is fast attracting customers.

The product is now being sold at various locations including at the entrance of Sokoto South Local government council secretariat along Ahmadu Bello Way.

Following the irregular electricity supply, which means residents cannot use fans or air conditioners, local fans made from straw have become very popular.

Similarly people have resorted to the use of straw hats to protect themselves from the scorching sun when they venture out.

Our correspondent also observed that the heat has also restricted movements as people tend to remain indoors or sit under tree shades, spend their days by the river banks and under the bridges to keep cool.

A Public health expert Dr. Habib Adamu advised the public to take precautionary measures against heat related illnesses.

Among such measures, he said is to avoid staying at overcrowded places.

The medical practitioner said meningitis, heat cramps, exhaustion and heat rashes are some of the illnesses prevalent during hot season.

However, the Director, Disease Control and Prevention of the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr Bilyaminu Yaro Sifawa said state had not recorded outbreak of any of such diseases this season.

He assured the people that the Ministry of Health and the Agency had made adequate arrangements to contain any outbreak of such diseases.

According to him, health educators are conducting awareness campaign across the state on the symptoms and preventive measures to take against the diseases.

The Director Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr Aminu Shehu advised people to ensure that they sleep in well ventilated rooms as well as take adequate water and ensure personal and environmental hygiene to guard contracting any of the diseases.

He said the state government had provided enough facilities, manpower and logistics to ensure adequate healthcare delivery.