By Maduka Nweke, [email protected]
In response to repeated incidents of flooding and building collapses, the Lagos state government has issued a stern warning to residents constructing buildings on waterways. The government has announced that structures built illegally along waterways will be demolished. The announcement follows the extensive damage caused by flooding, which has undermined the foundations of many buildings in the state.
Critics have labeled the government’s demolition approach as reckless, dubbing the governor as the “demolition governor.” Mrs. Monica Efe Osaghae, Managing Director of Efe Enterprises, expressed that the government should enforce regulations proactively rather than reacting after violations occur. She argued that with its vast human resources, the Lagos State Government could effectively monitor and prevent illegal constructions, thereby protecting residents from the harsh consequences of sudden demolitions.
“The continual demolitions reflect a lack of sensitivity to the plight of the masses. Those whose homes are demolished often resort to further desperate measures,” Mrs. Osaghae stated. She emphasized the need for a more preventive and humane approach to enforcing building regulations.
The recent demolitions targeted “shanties erected on drainage setbacks” in areas such as Gbagada and Bariga. While there is general support for removing obstructions that exacerbate flooding, there is significant criticism of how government agencies enforce these regulations. Many believe that law enforcement agencies often wait for violations to occur so they can justify arrests and other punitive actions, rather than working to prevent these violations in the first place.
On July 3, severe flooding left millions of Lagos residents stranded, prompting the state government to issue a 48-hour evacuation notice to the owners of illegal structures along the Bariga-Gbagada Drainage Channel. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, stated that the demolitions are intended to mitigate future flooding risks. “Following the expiration of a removal notice to owners of shanties beside Bariga-Gbagada Drainage Channel, operatives from the Drainage Enforcement and Compliance department commenced the removal of all the shanties on the drainage setback to prevent further flooding,” Wahab explained.
Mr. Tobechukwu Okafor, Principal Partner at ToChyfe Surveyors and Associates, criticized the government’s reactive approach, suggesting that it often leads to opportunities for officials to exploit the situation for financial gain. “The idea of allowing people to commit offenses so that officers can profit from the situation is deeply problematic. Government actions should be preventive and humane,” Okafor stated. He called for a collective effort to prioritize national interests over personal gain, urging everyone to contribute to a better system.
Mr. Okafor emphasized that addressing these issues requires a comprehensive and proactive strategy, including better monitoring and community engagement. “We are in a desperate situation in this country. Everyone must act responsibly and uphold the system rather than exploiting it for personal gain,” he added.
The Lagos State Government’s recent actions underscore the need for a balanced approach to urban planning and law enforcement, one that protects both the environment and the rights of residents. As the state continues to grapple with the challenges of urbanization and climate change, proactive and preventive measures will be essential to building a more resilient and equitable city.