…Shanties, stores re-emerge under high tension wires
Despite demolition exercises carried out in some places in Lagos State by the authorities, new structures have begun to spring up at such spots.
In what appears to be a case of “survival of the fittest,” many of the previously demolished spots are getting built again.
For instance, the space under the Iganmu bridge was cleared early in the year – but the boys are back like they never left.
Similarly, places such as Jakande Gate in Isolo area, Ejigbo, among others are witnessing such unauthorised structures.
The Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA) carried out some demolition exercises across several spots as part of the government’s efforts to enforce planning standards across all informal urban and incidental open spaces in Lagos.
The enforcement exercise forms part of LASISMA’s aim to ensure safety, order, and visual appeal, especially across places considered as hot-spot and high security risk areas.
Moses Lawal, a social commentator, told BusinessDay that the issue highlights two wrongs both on the part of the government and citizens.
According to him, the resurgence of structures in previously demolished centres highlights the reckless risk-taking on the part of stubborn and lawless citizens.
It also highlights the slow and poor enforcement of safety guidelines and laws by the government. In some cases, many of the demolished spot are seen and regarded as ‘ungoverned’ spaces, which to a large extent influence the return of the unwanted occupants.
“Erection of buildings under power lines is like playing Russian roulette with one’s life. Who in his/her right senses would do such? Did they get any legal document showing due purchase of the land? If not, do they know the safety and legal consequences of their actions?” Lawal asked.
He added that the slow responses to legal and safety breaches by the government cannot be considered as a badge of honour.
“Such should be speedily handled and nipped in the bud before it becomes bigger problems to handle or disaster strikes. Anyone culpable regardless of status must be prosecuted,” Lawal said.
Ogundeji Ayorinde Owen, a Lagos-based solicitor with Adegboruwa Ebun chambers, said that the re-emergence of shanty structures under high tension in Lagos State represents the peak of lawlessness where demolished illegality is rebuilt with impunity.
He added that if new shanties re-emerged weeks after demolition – two questions must be asked, which are: Who approved the rebuilding? Who was paid to look away?
“Section 12 of the Lagos State Public Service Rules and the Penal Code criminalise corruption and aiding illegal acts.
“Lawlessness is never spontaneous, it is either enabled by negligence or collaboration,” he said.
According to Owen, the government must move from periodic demolition to arrest, prosecution, and naming of officials/land agents involved, as a way of breaking the cycle.
Ayoola Julius, a property lawyer in Lagos, said both the government and the citizenry are culpable. According to him, the government in a way has failed in providing affordable housing, while also turning away from enforcing its laws.
Julius said that the people were not compliant with the law because of their survival instincts; resulting from the fact that shelter is now part of their human rights.
He added that when the state fails to meet the housing needs of its citizens – the people will in turn seek shelter anywhere they can afford, and anyhow. “There is the National Housing Plan; what happens to it?” Julius asked.
Martin Gregory, a Lagos-based real estate consultant, said that the state government consistently follows demolition exercises with strict re-occupancy enforcement, urban regeneration projects, and security sweeps to deter squatters from rebuilding on government-owned land and sensitive environmental corridors.
According to him, the government have deployed several measures to address informal settlements by preventing rebuilding of shanties across the state.
He added that the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and the Lagos State Task Force, regularly revisit cleared sites to dislodge illegal occupants and dismantle any makeshift structures attempting to re-emerge.
Gregory said that in securing critical infrastructure, the government often targets shanties built under high-tension power lines, on drainage setbacks, and along shorelines with major demolitions.
According to him, the government has stated that habitation in these restricted zones endangers lives and risks environmental disasters.
Gregory added that squatter settlements beneath bridges (such as the Costain, Ijora, and Obalende under-bridges) and along major expressways are constantly cleared to curb crime and reclaim public transport corridors, as parts of the government’s drive to reclaim public spaces across the state.
“Occupants are typically served contravention, seal-up, and removal notices before bulldozers are deployed, urging them to vacate voluntarily.”
Safety concern
A safety expert who works with one of the power plants and pleaded anonymity said that ignorance and poverty had forced many to live under high tension transmission lines, which are very dangerous to lives and property, and could lead to instant electrocution and death.
According to him, these places are a hub and breeding ground for criminals and prostitution, and cultism which are on the high side in some low-income communities across the state.
He added that there might be some collaborators from the government who might be aiding and supporting the lawless act across several spots in Lagos.
“What are the authorities and agency responsible doing about it? Or are people in Lagos State government/environmental agency unit gaining from it?” he asked.
According to him, the government needs to take a more critical view at the situation by enforcing stricter laws as safeguard against impending disasters, and unplanned death that could occur from any of the risky residencies.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
