*Govt Denies Exceeding Setback, Confirms Demolitions Halt
THE Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered an immediate stoppage of ongoing demolitions in Makoko, a waterfront community, following protests by victims, residents and rights groups.
The demolitions, which have so far rendered hundreds displaced, was greeted by outrage and protests to the Assembly complex last week, which turned bloody when Police fired teargas at the protesters, with some arrested and two laterarraigned in court on sundry charges.
Majority Leader of the Assembly, Noheem Adams, who chaired a meeting between lawmakers and representatives of the community at the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, said: “On behalf of the Speaker, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, and members of this House, we are taking this matter seriously.
“All ongoing demolitions should be stopped.”
Adams said the Assembly would work with relevant ministries and agencies to review issues surrounding the demolitions and ensure all stakeholders are properly engaged, as well as get the names of the task force that will be set up to examine concerns raised by residents, including disputes over setback measurements along the waterfront.
The community’s representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity over the specific measurements enforced, alleging illegal evictions beyond 30-metre setback and called for clearer guidelines.
Their Counsel, Jiti Ogunye, accused the Lagos State Government of carrying out forced evictions and demolitions beyond the initially communicated 30-metre setback, thereby rendering hundreds homeless.
He explained that the petition before the Assembly was over forced evictions and illegal demolitions that have threatened tens of thousands of residents in Makoko and adjoining communities.
Ogunye stated that during meetings, residents were initially informed that structures within 30 metres of the waterfront would be affected, but demolition activities reportedly extended far beyond that limit, adding: “After the 30-metre area was cleared, the exercise went beyond 30 metres to 100 metres, 250 metres and in some instances, up to 522 metres.”
Lack of clarity and inconsistent enforcement, he stated, created confusion and fear among residents, many of whom have already been displaced, urging the Assembly to investigate the demolition process, clarify setback regulations and ensure enforcement complies with due process and human rights standards.
However, Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, insisted the state government had not extended demolitions to 500 metres, even as he confirmed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had ordered a halt to further demolition in Makoko.
Babatunde disclosed that a task force, comprising the local government chairman and other stakeholders, would engage the community and address concerns arising from the exercise.
While acknowledging that different setback figures of 30 metres, 100 metres and up to 200 metres had been discussed at various stages, in line with planning regulations, he vehemently denied any extension to 500 metres.
He dismissed claims of fatalities due to exercise, saying: “To the best of my knowledge, I am not aware that any life was lost in the process.”
Babatunde said the aim of the Makoko regeneration plan, including provisions for floating structures and shoreline improvements, is to modernise the fishing community and improve living conditions.
Of the $10million proposed for the plan, the state government will contribute $2million, while international partners, including the United Nations (UN), is expected to provide up to $8million for a proposed “water city” project.
Babatunde explained that the project was still at the planning stage and government interventions have so far been limited to removing structures in high-tension powerline corridors to prevent accidents, after due consultation with residents through engagements with UN agencies and government officials.
“Two major options were considered under the Makoko regeneration plan: A shoreline extension and the water city project. Environmental concerns made the water city concept more viable,” he stated.
The Assembly had invited the leaders of Makoko and adjoining communities to review petitions over the demolitions.
Recall that residents of Makoko, Owode-Onirin, Oworonshoki, Bariga, Ajegunle and other affected communities had last week staged a peaceful protest at the Assembly complex, demanding compensation for destroyed properties and an end to indiscriminate demolitions.
