Polluted air with fumes from faulty car exhausts, generators, industrial processes, illicit burning of refuse and other substances, dreadful traffic, the scorching sun, and the list goes on – Lagosians face all these and still have to deal with noise pollution! Award anyone?
Noise is generally regarded as unpleasant and unwanted sounds. Noise pollution is an environmental hazard and is a serious issue in Lagos. From dawn to dusk, most Lagosians are exposed to various forms of noise pollution: from dense traffic, to car horns, to marketplaces, to workplaces, to religious worship centres, bars, clubs, generator sets, and so on.
It has been inferred regularly to be detrimental to our health. Medically, noise pollution has been linked to a number of health issues such as Hypertension and other cardiovascular issues, sleeping disorders, mild to severe hearing loss, and other health challenges, in the metropolis. It may affect the cardiovascular system causing stress and increase in blood pressure levels.
It’s very sad that most Lagosians feel really helpless in this condition. The question is, what is the state government doing about it, are there regulatory bodies put in place for this?
Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) are in charge of enforcing laws on noise pollution. Reports have shown that several churches, mosques, bars and clubs have been shut down for violating environmental laws and exceeding the maximum allowable sound limits.
According to National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009 adapted and as quoted by LASEPA, these are the allowable limits (measured in decibel) by law:
Between the hours of 6AM to 10PM (DAY)
Buildings used as hospitals, convalescence home, home for the aged, sanatorium and institutes of higher learning, conference rooms, public library, environmental or recreational sites, have a maximum permissible noise limit of 45Db A. Residential buildings have a maximum permissible noise limit of 50Db A. Mixed Residential (with some commercial and entertainment) have a maximum permissible noise limit of 55Db A. Residential plus industry or small-scale production plus commerce have a maximum permissible noise limit of 60Db A.
Between the hours of 10 PM to 6 AM (NIGHT)
Buildings used as hospitals, convalescence home, home for the aged, sanatorium and institutes of higher learning, conference rooms, public library, environmental or recreational sites, have a maximum permissible noise limit of 35Db A. Residential buildings have a maximum permissible noise limit of 35Db A. Mixed Residential (with some commercial and entertainment) have a maximum permissible noise limit of 45Db A. Residential plus industry or small-scale production plus commerce have a maximum permissible noise limit of 50Db A.
That being said, are these laws strictly enforced? Unfortunately, enforcement of these laws are quite lax, in the opinion of many Lagosians. A woman pleading anonymity complained bitterly about the level of noise she had to endure daily from the compound next to hers; the building was leased to a church in a predominantly residential estate. There are still many religious worship centres close to residential areas which do not adhere to the laws by failing to soundproof or reduce sound coming from their large speakers. There needs to be some sort of checks to be done by LASEPA to prevent noise pollution from these centres. Having to tolerate noise not originating from you and/or your household is very upsetting and a major infringement on their secular rights.
We charge the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to work harder to ensure strict adherence to noise pollution laws. Residents can also help the process by reporting all noise disturbances in your areas to LASEPA and also be committed to reducing the amount of noise individually produced.
Remember, we all have a right to live peacefully in a noise-free environment as it can improve our over health as well as life expectancy.
Photo credit: The hearing review
