Makoko: Coalition urges Sanwo-Olu not to rescind evacuation under high-tension lines
A civil society group, Coalition for Good Governance, has urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu not to rescind the state government’s decision to evacuate residents living under high-tension power lines
A civil society group, Coalition for Good Governance, has urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu not to rescind the state government’s decision to evacuate residents living under high-tension power lines in Makoko, warning that failure to act could lead to disaster.
The coalition said immediate evacuation would be safer and more beneficial than risking loss of lives should a high-tension cable fall into the lagoon.
The advice was contained in a statement titled: “Makoko and the Need for Sincerity by Stakeholders,” and signed by Nelson Ekujumi, Razaq Oladosu, Peter Oparah, Rotimi Falola, Uche Nnadozie, Elijah Ajanu, Shola Omolola, Biola Ogunsanya and Shafiu Mohammed.
The group said it had observed with concern the blame game between Lagos State Government and residents of Makoko over the demolition of structures erected under high-tension power lines, describing the community as a recurring challenge for successive administrations.
It recalled that parts of Makoko were demolished in 2005 and 2012 due to threats to public safety, noting that the settlement had for decades been regarded by urban planners as a high-risk area requiring urgent intervention.
According to the coalition, Makoko is estimated to have a population of between 80,000 and 250,000 residents, many of whom live in wooden stilt houses over the lagoon with limited access to basic amenities such as sanitation, clean water, electricity and waste management.
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“It is a fact that successive governments in Lagos State have long labelled Makoko an environmental and security hazard, citing living under high-tension power lines, flooding, fire risks and unplanned structures as justification for intervention,” the statement said.
The group said the state government had previously engaged community leaders and residents in dialogue, leading to an agreement for the removal of structures violating approved safety distances from power lines.
However, it alleged that residents reneged on the agreement, forcing the government to intervene in fulfilment of its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and ensure public safety.
While commiserating with families affected by the demolitions, the coalition said government must not abdicate its responsibility to prevent residents from engaging in actions that endangered lives.
It hailed Lagos State House of Assembly for intervening by constituting a committee of stakeholders and ordering a temporary suspension of the demolitions to calm tensions.
The group also welcomed the state government’s pledge to enumerate affected properties and handle the situation with “a human face.”
The coalition called for the immediate implementation of an urban development programme for Makoko, urging the governor to sustain efforts to clear areas under high-tension lines.
“We are calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu not to rescind from ensuring the place is cleared immediately, as it will be of great advantage to evacuate people alive than to move thousands of bodies should a high-tension power line fall into the lagoon,” it said.
It also demanded sincerity and transparency from all parties in future engagements to prevent a repeat of what it described as communication gaps and lack of trust that had undermined past efforts.
