Liya’u Sa’adu, a 60-year-old man who has spent half his life under a bridge in Lagos, Nigeria, considers himself the “guardian” of the growing community of homeless men who now reside with him. More than 60 individuals live in this close-knit outdoor community beneath the bustling Obalende Bridge, unable to afford even basic shelter. Sa’adu offers advice to newcomers, particularly young people, on navigating the challenges of life in Lagos, where the risk of falling into crime and drug use is high. He sees it as his duty to guide and protect them in the absence of family support.
Sa’adu, originally from Zurmi in Zamfara state, arrived at the bridge in 1994 and has since become a respected figure among the residents. He shares his wisdom and experience with those who seek a better life in Lagos, a city where homelessness and insecurity are on the rise. The community under the bridge, now known as “Karkashin Gada” in the Hausa language, has become a refuge for many who have fled economic hardship and violence in other parts of Nigeria.
Despite the challenges they face, Sa’adu and his companions make the best of their situation, sharing resources and supporting each other. Sa’adu, who earns a modest income collecting and selling scrap metal, also sends money back to his family in Zamfara. Their daily struggles are compounded by occasional raids from the authorities, who view their presence under the bridge as illegal. The residents of Karkashin Gada call for compassion and support from the government, hoping for a solution to the housing crisis that plagues many impoverished Nigerians. La BBC No hay ningún plan de hacerlo.
En cambio, el enfoque actual en Lagos es ayudar a las personas con salarios bajos – como limpiadores, conductores y mensajeros en oficinas – a comprar casas.
Para personas como el Sr. Sa’adu, cualquier tipo de vivienda en Lagos es inasequible – alquilar una choza en un asentamiento informal cuesta alrededor de 100,000 nairas ($48; £62) al año, mientras que en un área de clase trabajadora, un pequeño apartamento cuesta alrededor de 350,000 nairas ($220; £170) anualmente.
Peor aún, muchos propietarios exigen un año de alquiler en el momento de la ocupación, sin planes por parte del gobierno para regular el mercado a pesar de que la crisis del costo de vida está haciendo que la vivienda sea inasequible incluso para algunos jóvenes profesionales.
Ante este panorama, personas como el Sr. Sa’adu se han resignado a seguir viviendo bajo el Puente de Obalende.
“Considerando lo que hago, es difícil ahorrar lo suficiente para conseguir un lugar decente para quedarme,” dice mientras yace en su colchón con el ruido de los vehículos conduciendo justo encima de su cabeza.
“Ya estoy acostumbrado al sonido de los autos. No afecta mi sueño en absoluto, especialmente después de un día cansado,” agrega.
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