Makoko is a slum neighborhood located in Lagos, Nigeria. At present its population is considered to be 85,840. Established in the 18th century primarily as a fishing village, much of Makoko rests in structures constructed on stilts above Lagos Lagoon.
The government of Lagos State commenced the demolition of the shanty settlement on Monday , 16th July 2012 after giving the residents a 72 hour eviction notice. Thousands of the settlers were affected by this government action. This is the end of over 100 years of settlement by this community.
On getting to Makoko, it was difficult for me to see the demolished structures at first, all I saw were people, people and people. Mixed feelings everywhere, pain and joy, but helplessness written all over. One cried, "...how do they want us to survive away from the water, we have become very used to living on this water...".
I was drawn to how the occupants have decided to accept what has befallen them. The children were amazingly everywhere, playful. What do they know?
Is this part of history going to disappear? Or just a part of it? Only time will tell how this part of history will be told after.
No comments:
Post a Comment