LANDLORDS, TENANTS, OR SQUATTERS? WHO ARE THE MAIN IKOYI CITY DWELLERS? 86 ROOMS UNDER BRIDGE APARTMENTS WHERE PEOPLE PAY AS MUCH AS N250,000 YEARLY

PUBLIC SPACES AND GOVERNMENT PROPERTY SQUATTERS, A CASE STUDY OF DOLPHIN IKOYI UNDER BRIDGE SQUATTERS LAGOS STATE UNDER-BRIDGE SQUATTERS AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR CITY DWELLERS

In a recent viral video, squatters (tenants of illegal/imposed landlords of public spaces) were displaced from the Dolphin under-bridge, where people made spaces in self-contained and mini-flat apartment sizes with plywood and other materials.  A whole “Estate” under a bridge for so many years. The question is (i) who are the authorities responsible for protecting these areas (if any)? (ii) did the legal residents in Dolphin and its environs flag this (if yes, what were the steps taken to discourage it)? (iii) what did this mean for the government and the authorities? (iv) Is the huge housing deficit and affordability a challenge that isn’t getting the much-needed attention from the government? (v) If leaders invested more in building capacity in rural areas, would that discourage rural-urban migration putting stress on major cities like Lagos State?

The phenomenon of squatters living under the bridge in Lagos State, Nigeria, has significant implications for both the squatters themselves and the broader population of the city dwellers. This trend, unfortunately, is not restricted to one singular location, The Dolphin happens to be the one “dog” out of many eating the same “bone” that has been found out.

Dolphin houses one of the first gated communities in Ikoyi, built by HFP Engineering, in partnership with LSDPC in 1990 – Dolphin Estate, which is a few minutes’ drive from Victoria Island. Dolphin is home to middle-class and high-income residential areas. There is also a police station within Dolphin Estate. So, if you are wondering why this abnormal situation stayed so for so long, I’m queued up right behind you, and please do share your answers when you find them (every pun intended). Let us look at the implication of this for both city dwellers, squatters and the government.

So, what are the implications of this for city dwellers:

Public health concerns: sanitation and disease outbreaks. Squatters living under bridges often lack access to proper sanitation facilities, which can lead to unsanitary conditions that pose health risks not only to the squatters but also to nearby residents. Poor living conditions can also become breeding grounds for diseases such as cholera, malaria, and other communicable diseases, impacting public health in the surrounding areas.

Safety and security: crime. There is a perceived association between informal settlements and increased crime rates, although this is not always the case. Nonetheless, the presence of squatters can lead to concerns about safety among city dwellers.

Urban aesthetics and perception: city image and stigmatization. The presence of informal settlements under the bridges can negatively affect the aesthetic appeal of the city and contribute to a perception of disorder and neglect. Squatter areas can also become stigmatized, leading to social exclusion and discrimination against the residents of these informal settlements.

Implication for squatters:

Living conditions: lack of basic amenities and vulnerability to environmental hazards. Squatters typically lack access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, and other essential services, resulting in extremely poor living conditions. Living under the bridge exposes squatters to environmental hazards such as flooding, extreme weather, and pollution.

Legal and social status: legal insecurity and social marginalization. Squatters often live in constant fear of eviction which can happen without notice or compensation, further destabilizing their lives. They are often marginalized and excluded from mainstream social, economic, and political life, making it difficult for them to improve their situation.

Broader urban implications:

Urban planning and development: infrastructure strain and policy challenges - The presence of squatters can strain existing infrastructure and complicate urban planning efforts. It can hinder the development and maintenance of public spaces and transportation networks. Addressing the needs of squatters while managing urban development requires nuanced policies that balance human rights with urban growth and development objectives.

Economic impact: informal economy and cost of evictions – Squatters often engage in informal economic activities that contribute to the local economy, albeit in unregulated ways. These activities can be both beneficial and detrimental, depending on the broader economic context. Frequent evictions and demolitions can be costly for the government and do not provide long-term solutions to housing crisis, often resulting in cyclical displacement.

With all of the above said, what can we do to address the issue? The following are recommendations for Lagos state government and any other governments facing the same issues from rural-urban migrants who have taken up spaces and become illegal tenants/landlords of public spaces;

1.       Integrated housing policies: the government should develop inclusive housing policies that provide affordable housing options and integrate informal settlers into the formal urban fabric.

2.       Community engagement: engaging with squatter communities to understand their needs and challenges can lead to more effective and humane solutions.

3.       Infrastructure investment: investing in infrastructure improvements that benefit both formal and informal residents can help alleviate some of the challenges associated with squatting.

4.       Legal reforms: reforms that recognize and protect the rights of tenants can help provide more stable living conditions and reduce the risk of arbitrary rent demands and increases.

5.       Social services provision: providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation to displaced persons can improve living conditions, create sanity, and promote social inclusion.

It is important to note that this is not only an African problem, there are cities in Brazil and the United States of America where these homeless squatters take up public spaces and make tents there. Sustainable solutions must balance immediate humanitarian concerns with long-term urban development goals.