70 churches and 20 mosques have been shut down by the Lagos State government officials as parts of an ongoing clampdown against noise pollution which has become a familiar figure in the state with a religious gathering in virtually every street corner.
Lagos is believed to be one of the cities with the largest number of places of worship in the world. Consequently, what followed is an environmental quagmire, as the loudspeakers installed on faith houses blare out noise without regards for decorum, thus creating problems for local residents.
To address the problem, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), decided to shut down 70 churches, 20 mosques, 11 hotels, club houses and beer parlours.
According to LASEPA’s general manager Bola Shabi, the state government would no longer allow make-shift buildings to be used as places of worship.
“Precisely about 70 churches, 20 mosques and about 11 hotels, club houses and beer parlours were shut and we’ve given them some directives to follow. We’ve been so strict now that we are not going to even allow make-shift churches in the state any longer.” Mr Shabi added.
“What I mean by make-shift, using tents and uncompleted building we are not going to allow the any further in the state. However, I will strongly tell you that the level of compliance is more on the mosque area because immediately you shut them, they instantly bring down their speakers or reduce the noise they make.’’
Shabi pointed out that LASEPA planned to reduce noise in the state to 70% in the short term and then to 0% by the year 2020. He added that with Lagos aiming for the status of a mega city by 2020, this had become imperative.
