Worried the proliferation of noise  in residential areas, the Lagos State government has handed down 90-day ultimatum to churches and mosques to sound-proof their premises or risk closure.

The section 9 of the law establishing Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) empowered the agency to make regulations on acceptable standards or criteria to control the pollution level of water, air, noise and land in consonance with the federal government guidelines and policies and criteria on the environment.

It however fixed the maximum permissible noise limit for mixed residential areas with some commercial and entertainment to 55 dba from 6-10pm and 45 dba from 10pm-6am.  Commissioner for environment, Dr. Samuel Adejare , who stated this at a parley with church representatives in Lagos warned that state’s zero tolerance to noise pollution was still in force.

He regretted the influx of religious centres in various residential areas in the state adding that the ultimatum was as a result of complaints residents on the extent of noise in places of worship.

Adejare maintained that any noise above the approved noise levels contravened the provisions of the National Environmental Noise Standard and Controls regulations 2009 as well as the Lagos State Environmental Laws 2017.

He emphasised the need for places of worship to carry out their activities orderly without infringing on the rights of residents.

According to him, “The paramount commandment is to love God and love your neighbour as yourselves.”

The commissioner solicited the support of religious centres in adhering to government rules on noise levels adding that they were mandated to operate in an enclosed and soundproof environment using regulated speakers.

“Various structures ranging from residential plots, uncompleted buildings, open spaces, shops and motor parks are being converted to religious worship centres which is not befitting for a mega city like Lagos,” he concluded.

Culled from: Leadership