In a startling revelation that has caught the attention of Lagos residents, officials have uncovered a clandestine community of 86 partitioned rooms situated beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi. These makeshift wooden structures, which have been ingeniously constructed to provide shelter, were being rented out for N250,000 per annum.
The discovery was made public by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who expressed concern over the illegal habitation and the environmental hazards it posed. The squatters, who had turned the underbridge into a bustling residential area, were evicted as part of the state’s efforts to enforce environmental laws and reclaim public spaces.
“This operation not only addresses the illegality of the settlement but also the environmental implications,” stated Mr. Wahab. “We are committed to ensuring that Lagos remains a city that upholds the rule of law and environmental decency.”
The living conditions in the makeshift rooms under the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi, Lagos, were quite rudimentary. The rooms were partitioned and measured either 10×10 or 12×12 feet. These compact spaces served as homes for many individuals who paid N250,000 annually for rent.The area was not only densely populated but also lacked basic amenities and proper sanitation, which raised significant environmental and health concerns. The makeshift settlement also included a container that was used for various illegal activities. The eviction of the squatters and the dismantling of the structures were part of the government’s efforts to address these issues and enforce environmental laws. The incident has brought to light the pressing issue of housing affordability and the need for legal, safe, and adequate housing solutions in Lagos, especially for those with limited income.
As the government takes steps to prevent such illegal settlements in the future, the question of how to provide affordable and legal housing solutions for Lagos’ growing population remains a pressing challenge.
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