BY GBENGA ONABANJO
All around the globe, it is well-known how important the built environment is in relation to the natural world and its occupants. Greta Thunberg (15 years old) from Sweden was compelled to strike for carbon reductions by joining other young activists at the Swedish Parliament for three weeks. She started Fridays for Future, a movement that has now spread to around 128 countries to demand action on climate change.
Our environment can have a significant impact on our happiness, well being, and mental wellbeing. It is important to consider the environment in which urban spaces are being regenerated. This includes the greenness, density, urban form, energy use, reminiscences, and property value.
Numerous rezoning and reclassifications have been done throughout the state in support of the strategic plan to transform Lagos state into a model city state. It appears that the intention is to erase the memories of the old decent and upscale neighborhoods to make way for modern settlements.
Many people will be stunned at how the area they lived in has been transformed. They no longer have any relics to remind them of their past. The once wooded areas are no longer attractive because they are now fully paved. No more parks, no more gardening!
All the low-density neighborhoods are slowly becoming high-density conurbations, without any infrastructure improvements. This is the current trend in almost all Lagos neighbourhoods (surrounding Surulere to Yaba to Ebute Metta and Ikeja), Lagos Island, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island.
Banana Island, too, is not left behind! Many properties are being developed solely for profit without making provision for greens and parking. The new generation of developers is determined to maximize their profits, without paying attention to the following:
- Overpopulation has led to an increase in crime rates.
- Positive play behaviour and less independence for children.
- Street-level vitality and sociability reduction
- Children’s erratic behavior is increasing due to a lack of green spaces and the distance to the street to unwind.
- Inadequate spaces are not conducive to equality and social inclusion.
- Inadequate parking spaces for residents and visitors.
- Overdevelopment of plots can result in residents being deprived of their privacy.
- Inattention to global warming and climate changes.
- There are not enough recreational spaces to bond and gather together.
It is urgent to balance the economic and social capital (profit), as well as the environmental triggers (emotional, physical well-being) of a neighborhood.
Our leaders of thought should join with the conscience and vanguards to address the current anomalies in our neighborhoods, with the approval of the planning authorities. If we do not take care of our environment, it would be so dangerous that no rational mind would wish to have anything to do or esteem it.
It is possible to redevelop today’s neighborhoods and make them conform with their density, with the provision for adequate infrastructure and greens. These areas could see a higher property value than those in overdevelopment. These neighborhoods would retain their appeal and encourage equality and inclusion among residents.
The government’s master plans should be reviewed and implemented as planned. Our layouts must be subjected to approvals and all infrastructure. Statutory planning provisions must also be in place to ensure a minimum level comfort in terms of its walkability, liveability, and ambience.
The desecration of the GRA at Ikeja and ongoing redevelopment in Surulere, among others, indicate that many of these once-remembered neighbourhoods will soon disappear. If this trend continues, we may not be able to leave any legacy sites for our children and grandchildren.
Neighborhoods that were established more than 100 years ago in civilized climes are still alive and well. Many of these areas have been converted to tourist spots. Our planners should work to reclassify some legacy areas as heritage sites. They should not be altered in any way, shape or manner and should be left in their original state. There should be a balance between profit, beauty, comfort, and productivity.
Onabanjo, a Lagos-based architect and environmentalist, is the chief responsibility officer at Go-Forte Foundation.