BY EBUN SESSOU

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, called on the state Ministry of Information and Strategy to embark on public enlightenment campaign to sensitize the public on the danger that noise pollution poses on the health of citizens of Lagos state.

The House also called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of the state, to direct the General Manager of the state Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), to discharge the statutory responsibility conferred on it by Section 9 (a) of the state Environmental Protection Agency Law, 1996.

Raising the motion titled “Need for Regulation of Noise Pollution in Lagos State” on the floor of the House, member representing Epe Constituency 1, Abiodun Tobun, decried the high level of noise pollution arising from the blaring of music by vendors, streets party organisers and outdoor advertisers as well as indiscriminate use of horns by motorists and cyclists on major highways in the states.

Tobun also noted the high culpability of churches, mosques and other faith-based organisations of noise pollution in the state through their various programmes like vigil, mobile preaching, tafsir and periodic calls to prayers.

The lawmaker expressed concern about the high level of noise pollution which, he said has become a major source of health hazard as recently raised by the Nigeria Hearing and Speech Association (NHSA) that more Nigerians are suffering from hear impairment as a result of noise pollution.

He expressed worry that there is no proper enforcement of Section 9 (a) of the LASEPA Law 1996, aimed at controlling noise pollution in a cosmopolitan state like Lagos with over 15 million residents.

On his part, Gbolahan Yishawu, noted that the motion is timely, adding that “in enforcing the regulation, we should ensure that construction companies and noise of generators should also be looked into.”

Others who spoke on the issue, explained that the relevant and necessary agencies should be called upon to do the needful by ensuring strict compliant of the existing regulation.