Residents of the Lagos State Rehabilitation Centre, Igando, housing victims of collapsed buildings on Lagos Island have appreciated the out-going governor of the state, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for opening the facility to them.
When New Dawn visited the facility recently, residents available were in good spirits despite the loss of their Lagos Island homes and relations.
One of the persons from the facility who wished to remain anonymous told New Dawn that the people are enjoying the best environment and facilities at the centre.
“As you can see, the facility is neat and so conducive. Again there is adequate security, power supply, adequate water supply. The people are happy and since it’s not a permanent residence, they are going to be fine for the little period they are going to be here.
The person added that, “Kudos must be given to the Lagos State government for swift intervention for these people. If they were not adequately rehabilitated you would be talking of a ripples effects like crime, abuse and other vices, but the government has done the best thing.”
On why he decided to be anonymous, the source who was seen tucking in his identification card said he doesn’t want to be quoted as it is a sensitive issue.
One of the residents who simply introduced himself as Daddy Deborah also expressed his appreciation to the Lagos State government for the opportunity to take refuge at the facility.
“I appreciate our governor Ambode who made this possible. God used him and we are happy. You know it can be traumatising talking about the incidence that brought us here.
“Some of us have lost a lot of things, physical stuffs, relationships and the rest, but we thank God for life,” he said.
While New Dawn tried to locate the facility, the impression of the people from the host community was noticed.
When a middle aged woman in the neigbourhood who identified herself as Aishatu Abolaji was asked about the direction to the facility, she responded in not too friendly terms.
“Well, I don’t really know the location but I learnt the government brought some destitute from Lagos Island when their old buildings collapsed, you may ask another person or okada riders, they may know the place,” she answered.
Perhaps notions like this may further depress residents who are still trying to integrate into the new location.
Meanwhile, the government must as a matter of necessity also endeavour to educate citizens on rehabilitation processes.
The Lagos State government had after the Ita Faji, Lagos Island building collapse embarked on a systematic process of demolishing defective buildings across the Lagos Island.
Meanwhile, in the process, some people were displaced and there was an urgent need to resettle them in order to forestall further social crisis that could erupt as a result.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) opened up the resettlement centre at Igando, in Alimosho Local Government Area to accommodate those affected after the Ita-Faji building collapse and subsequent demolition of weak buildings on Lagos Island.
The camp has facilities to provide relief for affected victims, including those living with disabilities. The facility also has five hostels with 22 rooms each, four double bunk beds capable of accommodating eight persons per room.
Other amenities in the facility include a kitchen facility, a dining hall, a general hall to be used for recreational activities, a three-ward medical facility, a set of 10 toilets and bathrooms for each hostel, sets of three bedroom flats for members of staff, facilities for persons living with disabilities, security post, power-generating set, among others.
According to the state government, the facility presently has capacity to cater for over 300 displaced persons, including children, teenagers and adults.
A number of these individuals were first apprehensive in moving to the camp because they were not too convinced of its suitability. First settlers however convinced others left on the Island to come over as the facilities were enough to bring immediate comfort.
The government also confirmed that the displaced persons are fed three square meals daily. Also, they have recreational facilities that keep them busy and excited while a medical team is on ground to ascertain the health status of the people and equally offer relevant medical assistance as might be needed.
Meanwhile, the Igando General Hospital not far away is handling referrals from the camp. Similarly, government provided three buses to convey children to and from their schools while their parents were equally ferried daily to their respective offices. This has really helped in terms of helping them to reduce emotional and physical stress. The whole essence is to ensure that the effect of loss on the victims is mitigated to the barest minimum. Meanwhile, the camp is to be opened for three months, after which government would review the need for an extension.
Also, the newly commissioned theatre at Igando is a few metres away from the facility which could also serve a purpose of recreation.
LASEMA was established via the LASEMA Law 16 of 2008 for emergency and disaster management in the State in pursuance to decree 12 of 1999 as amended by Act No. 50 of 1999 which established the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The Agency is statutorily empowered to respond to Fire fighting (co-ordinate with fire services), flood control, collapsed building, evacuation, search and rescue operations, environmental pollution, crowd control/cordon off affected areas, Public enlightenment on safety issues, perform general life saving activities including provision of relief materials and to clear and remove objects that constitute the carcass or remains of incidents.
