Lagos govt threatens to shut motor parks over noise pollution

Urges residents, firms to comply with noiseless policy

Lagos State Government has threatened to shut down any motor park that refuses to comply with the state’s zero tolerance for noise pollution, reaffirming that it will enforce the law against noise pollution vigorously during this Yuletide.

The state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who gave the warning, yesterday, during a media briefing, said that the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEMA) would be on the ground in different parts of the state for 24 hours to ensure compliance for a noiseless community.

According to him, LASEMA would be engaging in the enforcement with other government agencies like the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps. He said: “As we are all aware, the Yuletide is here, this is the season for celebrations, a time for joy, giving and celebration and the atmosphere is gradually charging for the bigger celebrations. It is the period that is filled with various activities, celebrations, musicals, party affairs, clubbing, among other noisy activities marking the celebration.

“However, as this season is unique for its all-rounder festive activities, it is equally important that we prioritise the well-being of our people and the quality of life of all the residents. Noise pollution has remained a persistent problem in the state despite the government’s regulations and advocacy around it.

If we compare the gains of the celebration of this season with unregulated noises everywhere with its health and environmental consequences after the celebration, there is the need for the state government to put necessary checks in place that will minimise and regulate permissible noise levels across various organisations and establishments in the state so that we do not ignorantly take a step that will negatively and permanently endanger our health after the celebration of the season that will last for a short time.”

He, therefore, reaffirmed the state government’s zero tolerance for noise pollution in any part of the state during and after the Yuletide.

“We are committed to enforcing this policy. As we are approaching the Yuletide, we are appealing to all residents, businesses, religious organisations, visitors to the state, industrial organisations, merrymakers, entertainment industry and the like to abide by the ‘Noiseless Lagos’ policy of the state government by taking necessary steps to minimise noise levels that could emanate from their operations or activities because of its dangerous consequences on the health of the citizenry and the environment.

“In achieving our goal of zero tolerance for noise pollution in every part of the state towards actualising the vision for a noiseless Lagos that is peaceful, quieter, safer and healthier at all times (during and after the Yuletide), Lagos State government will be implementing some measures that will help to strengthen our advocacy on minimising noise pollution in the state effective from this moment in the overall interest of the public,” he added.