LSWMO STEPS UP EFFORTS TO CURB WASTEWATER VIOLATIONS
The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) has intensified efforts to promote responsible wastewater management and curb environmental violations across the State, following the discovery of several properties engaging in improper sewage disposal practices, including the discharge of untreated wastewater into public drains and the open environment.
In a recent operation, the Office sealed three properties at Nos. 39, 41 and 43, James Okiki Street, Oko-Oba, for discharging raw sewage into the environment, thereby constituting public nuisance, environmental pollution and a threat to public health.
The Office also carried out the subsequent sealing of Darvinks Healthcare at No. 13, Hollandia Way, Ajao Estate, Isolo, for the deliberate discharge of sewage into public drains using a pumping machine instead of engaging an authorised sewage evacuation service provider. The practice constitutes a serious environmental violation with implications for public sanitation and human health.
Speaking on the activities, the General Manager of LSWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, reiterated the Office's resolve to sanction property owners and facility operators who violate established wastewater management regulations.
He stressed that the indiscriminate discharge of untreated sewage, improper handling of wastewater and failure to maintain functional sewage infrastructure would attract appropriate regulatory sanctions, including sealing and prosecution.
Indiscriminate discharge of untreated sewage into public drains and the open environment is a serious environmental violation that exposes residents to avoidable health risks, pollutes our surroundings and undermines the State’s sanitation efforts. We will not allow individuals or establishments to compromise public health through negligent or deliberate wastewater disposal practices.
“Every property owner, facility manager and business operator has a responsibility to provide and maintain functional sewage infrastructure and ensure that wastewater is evacuated and disposed of through authorised service providers. Defaulters will face the full weight of the law, including sealing of affected premises and prosecution where necessary,” Engr. Afolabi stated.
He further cautioned against the use of pumping machines to discharge sewage directly into public drainage channels, stressing that such practices would attract regulatory sanctions.
The General Manager also warned members of the public against harassing or assaulting the Office’s personnel while carrying out their official duties, noting that while the Office remained committed to discharging its statutory responsibilities, any form of intimidation, assault or obstruction of officers performing their lawful duties would not be tolerated.
Other properties placed under regulatory closure include: No. 1, Abiola Johnson Street, Alimosho, following the discovery of a burst sewage pipe; a Funmall facility on T. F. Kuboye Road, Lekki, for deliberate sewage discharge and unsanitary conditions; No. 5, Idowu Dabiri Street, Sangotedo, and No. 11, Amuto Street, Adeniji, Lagos Island, for sanitation and sewage disposal violations; and No. 55, Temidire Street, Olodi-Apapa, Ajegunle, for discharging raw sewage into public drainage.
While encouraging residents to embrace responsible wastewater practices in line with the government's environmental campaign, the Office urged residents to report wastewater-related infractions through 08022022397 or 07025332163, and via its social media platforms, @lswmomedia on Instagram and X, and The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office on Facebook.
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