Self-inflicted Slum: Sentimental and Communal Land Attachment in Rivers State

Self-inflicted Slum: Sentimental and Communal Land Attachment in Rivers State

Image from Tell Magazine

Introduction

In the heart of Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region lies Rivers State, a land steeped in culture, tradition, and ancestral pride. The people of this state, particularly in the bustling city of Port Harcourt, hold their land with a deep-seated sentimentality, often viewing it as an invaluable inheritance passed down from their forebears. This attachment, while noble in intent, has inadvertently propelled much of Port Harcourt and its surrounding areas toward an urban decay characterized by slum-like conditions.

The Sentiment of Ancestral Land

For many in Rivers State, land is more than just a physical space; it is a symbol of identity, heritage, and continuity. The land that one inherits is not merely a piece of property but a connection to past generations—a testament to one’s roots. This deep-rooted sentiment is encapsulated in common phrases like "it's my father's land" or "my father's inheritance," statements that reflect the unyielding pride in one’s lineage and the desire to preserve familial ties to the land.

Image from Punch Magazine

However, this sentimentality often comes with a refusal to part with or adapt land use to modern urban planning standards. The attachment to ancestral land has led to a situation where individuals feel entitled to build wherever and however they see fit, regardless of the implications for the broader community. This has resulted in a patchwork of substandard developments, where personal sentiment overrides public interest and urban planning principles.

Unplanned Development and Its Consequences

Image from Devpolicy Blog

One of the most glaring consequences of this communal attachment to land is the unregulated and haphazard development that plagues many parts of Rivers State, particularly in Port Harcourt. The desire to retain control over ancestral land often means that property owners do not adhere to essential urban planning standards, such as setbacks, building lines, or provisions for access roads. This lack of compliance is not just a matter of negligence; it is a deliberate choice to prioritize personal or familial interests over the collective good.

Without adherence to proper setbacks and building standards, many structures are crammed into small plots of land, with little regard for the need for open spaces, access routes, or basic infrastructure. This results in congested neighborhoods where buildings are packed tightly together, often with inadequate ventilation, poor sanitation, and limited access to essential services. Over time, these areas degrade into slums—urban environments marked by poverty, overcrowding, and a lack of basic amenities.

The Deterioration of Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt, once a thriving urban center and a hub of economic activity in the Niger Delta, is now witnessing a steady decline in the quality of its urban environment. The unchecked sentimental attachment to land has led to a proliferation of substandard buildings, many of which are constructed without the input of professional architects or urban planners. These structures, often erected with limited resources and without proper oversight, contribute to the overall degradation of the city’s landscape.

The lack of planned development has also created significant challenges in terms of infrastructure. In many areas, there are no proper roads or drainage systems, leading to frequent flooding and difficulty in accessing basic services like healthcare and education. The absence of open spaces or recreational areas further compounds the problem, as residents are left with few options for leisure or communal activities.

A Path Forward: Balancing Tradition and Modernity

The situation in Rivers State, and Port Harcourt in particular, is a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing sentimentality to override practical considerations in urban planning. While it is important to preserve cultural heritage and maintain connections to one’s ancestral land, this must be balanced with the need for sustainable and orderly development.

For Port Harcourt to reclaim its status as a vibrant and livable city, there needs to be a shift in mindset among its residents. The attachment to ancestral land should not be an excuse for unregulated development but rather an opportunity to honor the past while building a better future. This could involve adopting modern building practices that respect traditional land ownership but also comply with urban planning standards, ensuring that developments are safe, sustainable, and beneficial to the broader community.

The government and urban planners also have a critical role to play in this process. They must engage with local communities to educate them about the importance of planning and infrastructure and work collaboratively to develop land in a way that honors tradition while meeting the needs of a growing urban population.

Conclusion

The self-inflicted slum conditions in Rivers State are a direct result of the strong sentimental and communal attachment to land. This attachment, while culturally significant, has led to a disregard for urban planning principles and the development of substandard, overcrowded neighborhoods. For Port Harcourt and its environs to avoid further deterioration, there must be a concerted effort to balance tradition with modernity, ensuring that the city can grow and thrive without sacrificing its cultural heritage.