Lagos Set to Enforce Groundwater Regulations, Tackle Noise Pollution

..Warns Defaulters of Penalties,

Funmi Ogundare

The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission ( LASWARCO), has stated its readiness to commence the enforcement of regulatory compliance against defaulters who are abstracting groundwater without
authorization in the state.

The Honorable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who disclosed this, recently, while briefing journalists, in Ikeja, expressed concern about the low level of compliance. He explained tthat defaulters are not only breaking the law, but are also denying the state government of additional opportunities to fund critical infrastructure projects and improve the lives of Lagosians.
The state government, he said, will not hesitate to penalise those who refuse to comply with the law, adding that warning letters with 72-hours ultimatum have been shared to defaulters.

According to him, “It is no gain saying that unregulated groundwater abstraction can lead to land subsidence, contamination of groundwater sources, and other environmental hazards .Unfortunately, there are a significant number of defaulters who are abstracting groundwater without authorisation, posing a significant risk to the environment and public health.

” Enforcement action will be taken against non- compliant organisations (defaulters) as this will serve as a deterrent to others and will also reflect the seriousness with which we take these offenses.”
Wahab urged all organisations that fall within the regulated entities to come forward and regularise their operations, saying that government is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the water sector is regulated in a fair and transparent manner.
The commissioner also addressed the issue of zero tolerance for noise pollution during and after the festive season.

He said the government’s will take proactive measures to curb excessive noise and safeguard public health.
Wahab said that to ensure compliance with noise regulations, the government has established a special task force on noise pollution under the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA). The Task Force, which includes members of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps (LSNSC) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), will monitor, arrest and prosecute violators.

The Commissioner stated that it has become pertinent for establishments such as worship centers, nightclubs, lounges, and bars to obtain permits from Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) for public events involving amplified sound.
” These venues are required to operate within soundproofed and enclosed spaces to protect neighboring residents,” he said, adding that by January 2025, the government will launch an extensive public campaigns to educate residents on acceptable noise levels and the benefits of a quieter environment.