Makoko, A Slum where people live on Water

 Lagos is unarguably one of the Largest and the Fastest growing city in Africa, Lagos is Africa's major Financial Centre.

The Mega city has the 4th highest GDP in Africa. Lagos economy could be compared to that of Ghana, Togo and many other African countries

However, Beneath all the Glamour and beauty the city of Lagos offers, it also houses one of the largest Floating slums in the world.

Makoko is the perfect nightmare for the Lagos state government. Often regarded as Africa's largest floating Slum or the VENICE OF AFRICA.

The slum can be seen in full view beneath the 3rd mainland bridge (the most travelled bridge in west Africa). It's almost impossible not to notice the slums of Makoko, while passing over the third mainland bridge.

Makoko was formerly a fishing village in the Late 19th century, occupied by immigrants from the Togo and Benin Republic. Over time, it's population swelled and they ran out of land, little by little, they settled on water.

Today, Makoko is home to at least 200 thousands people. It's hard to tell exactly how many people live in Makoko, as there have never been an official census. The community has grown to be the home for generations of fishermen.

Makoko residents live in extreme

poverty, the type only see in movies.

Everything basically is on top of water. I.e schools, saloon, Bar, church, they live Their whole life on the waters.

Their main source of income is from fish farming, Every family has a smoke house where they smoke their fish.

The Women stay at home to smoke the fish, to sell later.

While the men go fishing.

As a boy, you begin to go fishing with your father at a very tender age.

For the past decade, the only thing that has changed in Makoko is that, children now go to school. There used to be no schools in the past.

Makoko residents suffers mostly from malaria, respiratory diseases, and Malnutrition.

The have no access to hospitals, clean water, e.t.c

The community is basically covered in water. I mean, they live on top of a 5feet deep water, Canoes are commonly used for transportation.

Not every family own a canoe, and it's even harder to move around if you cannot afford canoe rider fees.

Just like we have hawkers who hawk almost everything on Land, these people have theirs on top of water.

Even though Makoko residents live in extreme poverty, they are very happy people. The Lagos state Governmemt can transform Makako slum into the largest floating city, to attract tourist attractions, and contribute to the Lagos economy.