The city of Lagos, Nigeria intends to get rid of nine squatter communities. The Vanguard newspaper reports that it'll be relocation with representation. "We are collaborating with the people," Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Bolaji Abosede, told the paper during a ceremony honoring World Habitat Day in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
Does anyone -- perhaps someone in Lagos -- have more information?
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3 comments:
Opa Fav!
Sadly, there aren't really faveal communities in the U.S. There are some inner city squats -- more like corticoes than favelas. And there are a few 'colonias' near the Mexican border, which are somewhat like favelas, but are not in the cities.
Basically, if squatters took over urban land in New York, the police would likely respond with paramilitary force to kick them out and arrest them.
but in the U.S. we have the homeless population and undocumented immigrants... I know this is different, but one might consider it a "USA version". A hybrid between the USA and full-on favelas might be the homeless communities in Osaka Japan where many jobless men come together and create settlements.
OK, sfbayareakid. There are some key differences, though.
In the developing world, the squatters are people who choose to come to the cities. By and large, they can find a means of supporting their families. Their work, their self-built homes are elements of pride in their lives. In short, they have hope.
The homeless in the U.S. are not homeless by choice. Also, most of them cannot find enough work to sustain themselves. It's not a situation that builds hope.
I know nothing of the homeless communities of Osaka. But I'd like to. Can you point us to any newspaper/magazine articles that will shed light on this?
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