Monday, November 26, 2012

HURRICANE SANDY IN LAGOS


Monday

The Lagos State Government has warned residents to prepare for the ripple effect of Hurricane Sandy which devastated parts of the Caribbean and East coast of America recently. We have been warned that in one to two weeks it may arrive here causing flooding or ocean surges which may affect residents along the Lagos coastline. The areas that may be affected include, Kuramo, Oniru, Alpha beach.

If at all we do feel the after effect of the hurricane, it will certainly not be on the scale that it affected the US, where we saw houses razed to the ground, loss of power and and terrible flooding. Even though they were not prepared for it or do not often witness such destruction, they have dealt with it competently and almost every one affected is rehoused with power restored. On the other hand, we in Lagos frequently experience loss of power and flooding, yet nothing much changes and those affected just get on with it as best they can.

Tuesday

I got a call from a client who wished to renew his lease but, was not able to because that landlord and his wife were quarrelling and individually kept putting pressure on the client to pay the money to themselves. At the on start of the tenancy, the rent had been paid to one of them, but now the other party was demanding that it be paid to them as they were the rightful owner of the property. This confused the tenant who wanted to continue staying at the property, but not be in the middle of a domestic dispute which may affect his stay.

Luckily, one party has backed down, the rent paid, and hopefully the tenant can continue his tenancy in peace

Wednesday

On my way to view a property, the car entered a pot hole covered by water and got stuck. This is the third time in as many years that this has happened and is a frequent occurrence on Lagos roads. Luckily some kind hearted passerby’s used their God given man power to push the car out and send us on our way.

Thursday

A client contacted me, as there was a leak into his flat from the flat above him destroying all his personal belongings. He did not know how to deal with this as the other tenants was denying responsibility. Home insurance is very important to protect buildings and properties, unfortunately majority of tenants and homeowners do not have any and instead rely on luck to prevent unforeseen problems. There is a saying that “God helps those who help themselves”

Friday

There is an ongoing land dispute on the island which is quite theatrical to say the least. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) unit of the police force has been invited to look into the case. It involves a traditional ruler (Oba) and a Chief. The Chief bought a parcel of land about 15 years ago, which he sand filled and started building the foundation for some properties, but ran out of money. He decided to sell the land to someone else about 5 years ago. Recently, there was some vandalism on the land, which revealed that the Oba who wanted it for one of his wives, was responsible.

The police have looked into the matter, invited both parties in and asked the Oba to “settle” the owner of the land

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