Makoko Stilt Village

After numerous attempts to see Makoko I was finally given the privilege to tour this community on Saturday. Unfamiliar with this village? Here's a little background: the Makoko Stilt Village has become a popular and controversial topic since the Nigerian government tried to destroy these slums in 2012 since they were an "eyesore" for the Lagos community. CNN, BBC and many other news sources picked up on this story and ever since the community has received a lot of publicity and no homes have been destroyed since. 

This community is seen right from the Mainland bridge in Lagos but is still so remote since it is only accessible by water. With over 100,000 residents, its a thriving community that seems happy in their ways but would be considered a slum for outsiders. So to bring better awareness the community allows the Nigerian Field Society one monthly visit- hence my visit. 

Our speedboat there

Our trip started with a a 15 minute speedboat ride to the village. Upon arrival we were greeted by the Chief's brother Noah who answered our questions. Some facts he gave us were that each man had a either 1-2 wives, about 10 kids and that fishing was the primary form of revenue for the community. 

After our chat we toured the village in the standard canoes that are pushed by bamboo poles. This is the way they get anywhere and the means to everything they do in this community: fish, sell goods etc. 

Women paddling the canoe  throughout the waterways

Inside Makoko Village 

You may notice in the pictures the water is brown. This is because the water is polluted with the communities trash and also accommodates all their sewage. Think a floating version of Slumdog Millionaire and you are on the right track. Which means you can infer the smell that the community had. Let's just say it's something I couldn't get use to. 

In the community the kids were running around in any garments they had handed down if any at all. Privacy is a privilege  and one most don't receive  On our tour we even walked through the birthing center interrupting some women's most intimate moments. But that's life in the village, so this didn't bother them. 

Greetings from children in the community 

Kid traveling by bucket

The tour ended with a visit to the famous floating school, which is 3 levels and a kick off to the community starting to educate their children. Although not big enough to accommodate all the kids, they split it so the other children go to school on the Mainland. The donations we as NSF made all went directly towards education, showing how much of a priority it is for this community.

The floating school

All and all it was a wonderful and humbling experience. The people in this community make due with the little they have and they smile and laugh with a sincere happiness that most cannot fathom for the lifestyle they live. These people want further development of their community on their own terms and aspire to do so without the government knocking everything down and changing their way of life.

So the takeaway- be happy with what you have. Life really is what you make of it.

Ali, Kelsie, Daniel and I at Makoko

Cheers- Kate