Life In a Floating Slum in Africa – Makoko

The capital of Nigeria, Lagos, is home to a remarkable yet starkly contrasting community known as Makoko – a floating slum that vividly embodies both the resilience of the human spirit and the dire consequences of urban poverty. Beneath the surface of Makoko’s waterborne vibrancy lies a harsher truth: the waters, a vital life source, are tainted with sewage and pollution. This environmental crisis is a daily battle for the residents, who face the constant threat of waterborne diseases. The lack of adequate sanitation facilities means that much of the waste and sewage from the densely populated settlement ends up directly in the lagoon, compounding the challenges of maintaining a healthy living environment. Poverty in Makoko is pervasive and profound. Yet amidst these hardships, the spirit of Makoko endures, presenting a deep and complex life narrative in one of Africa’s most dynamic urban landscapes. Let us journey to Makoko, and explore how people live in the largest floating slum in the world.