Monday
I am not a speaker of
doom, only a keen observer of development taking place around Lagos and
understanding the nature of buildings and the environment.
Over the weekend there was a surge in the
ocean current around the Kuramo beach area of Lagos, which increased water
levels and overflowed unto the land. This unfortunately led to loss of lives
and destruction of property. There have been many postulations as to why this
occurred. Some have laid the reason squarely at the door of the developers of
the Eko Atlantic City, who have been dredging and sand filling the area for a
while now. Ironically the surge did not affect the development itself
One idea that seems not to have been explored
is that there was an earthquake the same day in Indonesia, which may have
triggered shocks affecting ocean levels across other parts of the world,
including Lagos. It is a possibility!
Tuesday
Driving along the Bar
Beach Road, which is now Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island, you could be
forgiven for thinking you are lost. For one, you can no longer see the beach
from the road and secondly, even if you manage to climb over the heavy boulders
that have been put up on the promenade, you still will not be able to see the
ocean, it has disappeared! It is quite distressing to see that what had for so
long been a beauty spot for Lagosians, has now quietly been eroded by project
developers! They claim they are building a city of beauty that will outshine
and beat Dubai and Malaysia!? Let us watch…
Wednesday
Am not sure how many people can remember
Ikoyi Park? I spent many childhood days in that tree filled park, catching
tadpoles and having fun. Well, it is now what is called Parkview Estate/Banana
Island. The Park was demolished, the waters sand filled and houses build there.
It has become a concrete jungle. I am all for development and progress, but not
at the expense of destroying natural god given pleasurable sites. There is
really nothing left around Lagos that can constitute a free relaxing day out
with children or even adults! What we have now are shopping malls, filled to
the brim each weekend with fun seekers eating and spending money.
Thursday
On the topic of sand filling and dredging, I
personally fear that will the accelerated rate that this has been taking place
on the Lagos Island, in particular the Lekki axis, we are in danger of triggering
our on earthquake or tsunami in the not too distant future! Just think about
it? Estates springing up everywhere on pure sand filled sites from rivers,
lagoon and the ocean. Water penetration into homes has become such a common
problem that no one seems to know how to address, short of demolishing the
properties.
Friday
Lagos state government
needs to take some drastic actions to prevent what could be a problem for homes
built on sand filled sites and even dry land surrounding these sites. With the
very rapid urbanization and building of estates on every inch of available
land, sewage and drainage systems have been blocked or are nonexistent, thereby
causing flooding around and into properties or even a backlog or waste into
homes. Urgent steps need to be taken, now!
Until next week!
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