Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, former gubernatorial candidate of Lagos State under the Labour Party (LP), has raised serious concerns about the ongoing sand filling activities in the state, particularly in coastal communities like Makoko. He warns that these activities are a major threat and the primary cause of flooding in Lagos.
In a recent interview, Rhodes-Vivour criticized the land reclamation projects, arguing that they contribute significantly to flooding and disproportionately favor the wealthy while displacing vulnerable populations. He highlighted the potential impact of a new 53.4-hectare land reclamation project, warning that it would disrupt the natural flow of water into the lagoon, leading to increased flooding.
Rhodes-Vivour pointed out the consequences of the Eko Atlantic project, stating that while it has protected Victoria Island, it has displaced water towards unprotected coastal communities. “As the water is pushing now against the wall, it’s going to a lot of pressure against all the other coastal communities that don’t have protection,” he stated.
Beyond environmental concerns, Rhodes-Vivour addressed the social implications of evicting Makoko residents. He noted that the community, which has existed for over 200 years, is home to fishermen and loggers whose livelihoods depend on the water. He proposed a development model that upgrades the area while preserving its unique character, similar to Venice.
Rhodes-Vivour emphasised the importance of preserving wetlands and controlling sand filling, warning that unchecked reclamation projects would leave Lagos mainland vulnerable to severe flooding. He also pointed to past incidents, such as the flooding of parts of Lagos Island following the reclamation of Ilubirin, as evidence of the dangers posed by sand filling.
