The Lagos State House of Assembly has recommended the relocation of residents affected by recent demolition exercises in the waterfront community of Makoko to a proposed housing site in Epe. The recommendation was made as part of efforts to address the housing challenges faced by families displaced by the demolition of structures in parts of the coastal settlement.
The Assembly made the proposal after considering a report presented by its committee following visits and assessments of the affected communities. Lawmakers explained that several structures in Makoko and nearby areas such as Oko-Agbon and Sogunro had been removed during government enforcement operations aimed at addressing environmental and safety concerns along the waterfront.
According to members of the Assembly, many of the displaced residents are currently struggling to find suitable shelter, prompting the need for a structured relocation plan. The lawmakers therefore suggested that the Lagos State Government should consider relocating the affected individuals to a low-cost housing estate in the Agbowa area of Epe.
They explained that the proposed relocation site could provide safer and more organized living conditions for the displaced residents while helping to reduce the housing pressure in informal waterfront settlements. The Assembly also noted that many residents of Makoko depend on fishing and other water-related activities for their livelihood, which should be taken into account in any resettlement arrangement.
Lawmakers urged the state government to engage with the affected communities to ensure that the relocation process is carried out in a fair and transparent manner. They stressed the importance of providing adequate housing, infrastructure, and social amenities for families that may be moved to the new location.
The recommendation has generated mixed reactions among some Makoko residents, with several community members expressing concerns about being relocated far from their current homes and sources of income. Despite these concerns, the Assembly maintains that the proposal is aimed at finding a long-term solution to housing and environmental challenges in Lagos waterfront communities.
Overall, the recommendation highlights ongoing efforts by the Lagos State government and lawmakers to address urban planning issues and improve living conditions for residents across the state.
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