The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish shanties located less than 100 metres from power lines in the Makoko waterfront community.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Mr Gbolahan Oki, disclosed this while interacting with traditional leaders from Makoko who visited his office to appeal for leniency and requested a 30-metre setback from the power lines.
Mr Oki explained that 100 metres was the maximum distance the state government could permit, noting that federal regulations stipulate a 250-metre setback from power lines.
He added that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in an effort to prevent mass displacement of residents, approved a reduced setback distance.
Mr Oki also revealed that the governor had directed residents to paint the roofs of their wooden houses in a uniform colour within two months to improve the aesthetic appearance of the waterfront, especially when viewed from the Third Mainland Bridge.
Responding on behalf of the community leaders, the Baale of Sogunro Ajagungbade, High Chief Yusuf Segrakumayono, assured the government that residents would comply with the directives.
Written by Ngozi Okpala