Lagos Lawmakers Propose New Residence for Makoko Demolition Victims
By Felix Kuyinu
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have proposed for a new residential area for victims of demolition in Makoko following the demolition of structures in the community.
The lawmakers canvassed for the victims in the area as well as Oko-Agbon and Sogunro Waterford to be moved to Agbowa in Epe Local Government Area as new habitat.
The recommendation came after the House adopted a report by its Committee on Rules and Business, which investigated the demolition exercise that displaced several residents who have lived at the communities for decades.
Presenting the committee’s report during a plenary, the Chairman of the Committee, Noheem Adams, said that the panel held five separate meetings with representatives of the affected communities, adding that it also carried out inspection visits to the communities alongside officials from relevant government agencies.
Adams mentioned that the exercise has resulted worsening experiences by the inhabitants in what had been an already difficult living conditions in the settlements.
He further noted that the affected communities largely depend on fishing as their primary source of livelihood to earn a living, urging the state government to review and verify the enumeration report submitted by the populace in the communities.
The lawmakers, in unison, also proposed that displaced residents be relocated to a proposed low-cost housing estate to be developed in Agbowa, Epe, where they would be able to continue their fishing activities.
The demolition sparked protests from affected residents, who later submitted a petition to the Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, seeking the intervention of the legislature.
Following the petition, the Assembly ordered a temporary suspension of the demolition exercise and launched an inquiry into the matter.
