LASEPA ADVOCATES FOR A ‘NOISELESS’ LAGOS
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has called for the involvement of residents of the State in the campaign to promote a noiseless and sustainable environment in Lagos.
Speaking at the Third Annual Stakeholders’ Interactive Session on Noise Pollution Control in Lagos State with the theme: “Noise Pollution Abatement Evaluation in an Emerging Smart City – Two Years Retrospect”, the State Commissioner for The Environment, Mr. Babatunde Durosimi-Etti revealed that noise which was considered synonymous with modernity and dynamism has today been identified as one major threat confronting the world.
He said, “The reality today is that increase in population has promoted a proportional increase in noise generated, mostly from vehicular, industrial, commercial, nightlife activities, coupled with the proliferation of religious houses within and around residential areas”.
Describing the implication of noise pollution to human health, the Commissioner stated that its physical and psychological consequences can affect individuals’ mental concentration, learning and productivity.
While imploring stakeholders to contribute to the summit discussions seeking ways to achieve a serene and peaceful environment, Mr. Babatunde pledged that the State government will continue to partner all relevant stakeholders to improve the citizens’ standard of living by advocating self-compliance in all facets of the environment.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Mr. Antonio Ayodele said the interactive session with stakeholders is to promote the synergy required to mitigate noise pollution in the State.
According to him, the positive attitudinal change by all and sundry is the best way to good governance which is the desired goal of the State government that is open to positive ideas that are SMART.
Speaking further, the General Manager said the Agency‘s major projection for the year 2018 is the resuscitation of the “Horn Free Day” campaign where 15th October is not only designated but sustained as the Annual Horn Free Day in Lagos State, adding that signage on horn/noise Free Zones are ready for installation at various government hospitals, court premises, Government Reserved Areas to help citizens imbibe the culture of serene environment.
He, therefore, called on stakeholders to partner with the State government in finding a lasting solution to issues of noise pollution and also extend the advocacy for a “Noiseless Lagos” to the grassroots level.
Ayodele stressed the need for stakeholders to “come together to redress noise pollution in Lagos State and develop a culture of Sustainable Noise Management in all sectors of the Economy”.
Presenting a paper on ‘Noise Pollution Abatement Evaluation in an Emerging Smart City’, Dr. Bolawole Ogunbodede of the University of Lagos, disclosed that since many citizens are not aware of the health implications of noise pollution, extensive and inclusive enlightenment must be embarked upon by the State government to provide the needed information for residents.
He urged the State government to focus more on field assessment of noise pollution rather than wait for complaints from the public, advising that active monitoring should be domiciled in all Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in the State.
The event witnessed award presentations to the Chairman, Computer And Allied Product Dealers Association, Computer Village, Lagos, Com. Ojikutu Adeniyi and Mrs. Olubukola Sewenu, a LASPARK Official for their advocacy on ‘Noiseless Lagos’.