The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its decision to demolish shanties located within 100 metres of power lines in the Makoko waterfront community, citing safety concerns and urban development regulations.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, made this known on Monday while meeting with traditional leaders from Makoko who visited his office to appeal against the planned demolition.
According to the ministry, the community leaders had urged the government to adopt a 30-metre setback from the power lines in order to spare more homes from demolition. However, Oki said the state could not accede to the request, stressing that 100 metres was the maximum concession allowable.
He explained that existing Federal Government regulations prescribe a 250-metre setback from power lines, but noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved a reduced distance to avoid large-scale displacement of residents.
“The government is not arrogant. The law states that the distance must be 250 metres, but as a state, we are permitting 100 metres because we do not want it to look like we are displacing you. Now you are asking for 30 metres. If any of that cable falls into the water, 80 per cent of you will be gone,” Oki said.
He added that the demolition would cover the entire waterfront from Makoko to Bariga, warning that the exercise would not be reversed.
Oki further stated that the government was determined to enforce physical planning and urban development laws as Lagos continues its push to become a megacity.
In addition, he disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu had directed residents to repaint the roofs of their wooden houses in a uniform colour within two months to improve the aesthetic appearance of the waterfront, especially as viewed from the Third Mainland Bridge.
Responding on behalf of the community, the Baale of Sogunro Ajagungbade, High Chief Yusuf Segrakumayono, assured the government that residents would comply with the directives.