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Life in Makoko: Nigeria’s Floating Slum
Makoko, often referred to as the “Venice of Africa,” is a sprawling slum built on stilts over the Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria. A vibrant yet marginalized community, Makoko serves as home to an estimated 80,000 to 250,000 people, although no official census exists.
This floating slum has long been a stark symbol of Nigeria’s urban poverty and government neglect, while also reflecting the ingenuity and resilience of the people who call it home.
Origins and History
Makoko’s origins date back to the 19th century when it was primarily a fishing village, founded by migrants from the Egun ethnic group in neighboring Benin and Togo. What began as a small fishing community has since grown into a densely populated, informal settlement as Lagos expanded.
Due to rapid urbanization and rural-urban migration, Makoko’s population has surged over the decades, causing the community to evolve from a fishing enclave into an overcrowded settlement. The majority of residents are fishermen, traders, and artisans who rely on the lagoon for their livelihood.
However, this rapid growth has also led to inadequate infrastructure, a lack of sanitation, and extreme poverty.
The Lagos State government has largely ignored the area, leading to unsafe living conditions and a lack of basic amenities, such as clean water, electricity, and healthcare services.
Life on the Water: The Community and Culture
Makoko is divided into two sections: one on land and one on water. The water section, which is most often associated with the slum’s unique floating nature, consists of houses built on stilts, with narrow, wooden walkways and canoes as the primary means of transportation.
Families live in makeshift wooden shacks, and while these homes may appear precarious, they have withstood the elements for decades.
Despite the harsh living conditions, Makoko is a bustling community with a vibrant cultural life. The Egun people have retained much of their traditional lifestyle, and the water culture shapes nearly every aspect of daily life. Residents navigate the canals in dugout canoes, which serve as taxis, fishing vessels, and even marketplaces.
The community is close-knit, with strong social ties and support networks that help residents survive the economic challenges they face.
Struggles and Challenges: Lack of Infrastructure and Basic Services
Makoko’s floating slum presents numerous challenges. Most pressing is the absence of basic services. Clean water is scarce, and residents often have to purchase water from vendors at a premium.
Sanitation is another major issue, as there is no sewage system; waste is often dumped directly into the lagoon, creating serious environmental and health concerns. The lagoon water, which residents rely on for fishing, is heavily polluted, posing risks to their health and livelihoods.
Education and healthcare are similarly scarce. Although there are a few informal schools in Makoko, these are poorly funded, and many children miss out on formal education. Healthcare facilities are also limited, and residents often lack access to basic medical services, making them vulnerable to diseases like malaria, cholera, and respiratory infections.
The Makoko Floating School: A Beacon of Hope
One of the most notable developments in Makoko was the construction of the Makoko Floating School in 2012, designed by Nigerian architect Kunlé Adeyemi.
This innovative, sustainable structure was built to float on the lagoon and serve as a school for the community’s children. The triangular, A-frame building, constructed from locally sourced wood and other materials, was designed to be resilient to rising water levels and harsh weather conditions.
Although the school collapsed in 2016 due to structural challenges, it had a lasting impact. The project drew international attention to the plight of Makoko’s residents and the possibility of innovative solutions to urban poverty.
Makoko’s Floating School served as a symbol of hope and highlighted the potential of architectural design in addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Government’s Response: Demolitions and Displacement
While Makoko is celebrated internationally as a symbol of resilience, the Nigerian government has largely viewed it as a blight. Authorities have repeatedly labeled the community as an “illegal settlement” and have carried out demolitions in the area. In 2012, the Lagos State government attempted to demolish parts of Makoko, citing health and safety concerns. Many residents were left homeless, and the demolitions sparked outrage from human rights organizations.
Despite the backlash, the government has continued to express plans to redevelop the area, aiming to transform Lagos into a “megacity” by eradicating slums like Makoko. This approach has led to conflicts between the government and the community, with residents fighting to keep their homes and way of life. For many in Makoko, relocation to land-based slums or temporary shelters is unfeasible, as their lives and livelihoods are deeply rooted in the lagoon.
The Future of Makoko: Pathways for Development
Makoko represents a paradox for Nigerian society: it’s a place of poverty and struggle but also of community and resilience. If approached thoughtfully, there is potential for Makoko’s development to serve as a model of sustainable urban planning that respects residents’ way of life while addressing critical infrastructure needs.
Non-governmental organizations and international groups have proposed various solutions, including improving sanitation, providing access to clean water, and establishing floating healthcare and educational facilities. Some have called for the Lagos State government to formally recognize Makoko and provide essential services rather than evict its residents. This would allow the people of Makoko to retain their culture and autonomy while improving their quality of life.
Conclusion
Makoko stands as a testament to human adaptability and the determination to thrive against the odds. While it faces significant challenges, it is also a symbol of how communities can find resilience in the face of adversity. Whether or not Makoko has a future in the Lagos of tomorrow remains to be seen, but its story offers valuable lessons on the power of community and the importance of inclusive, sustainable development. By addressing the needs of slum communities like Makoko, Lagos could create a city that serves all its residents, floating or otherwise.
Attached is a news article on the floating slum in Makoko Nigeria
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-africa-45736981
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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