- Enugu government expressed frustration over more than 1,000 complaints concerning noise pollution in the state
- Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, ordered all religious places to remove outdoor loudspeakers
- The state government called for stakeholders’ support, mandated acoustics for bars, religious centres
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has directed that all churches and mosques in the state must dismantle their outdoor loudspeakers and implement soundproofing measures within their worship facilities within the next 90 days.
The decision was made on Thursday, August 15, during a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at rolling out the Enugu State Anti-Noise Pollution Policy.
Enugu residents frustrated over noise pollution complaints
Uche Anya, Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), expressed frustration over receiving more than 1,000 complaints from the state capital concerning noise pollution caused by various churches.
"We have received over 1000 petitions from across the state from residential neighbours complaining about their inability to sleep at night because of the noise pollution emanating from the churches and business operations,” Anya stated.
Government mandates acoustics for bars, religious centres
In his address at the engagement, the Chairman stated that noise pollution is currently the most significant challenge facing the Enugu state capital and that the situation cannot go on as it is.
He further said, "We must ensure we eliminate noise in the state. We cannot allow any bar with free to air. If you must operate in a residential areas you must put acoustics to ensure that noise from your business and church does not affect your neighbours.”
Stakeholders informed for successful policy implementation
The meeting, coordinated by the ECTDA, brought together leaders from Christian and Muslim communities, state officials, and media members to address the problem of noise pollution in the state.
Chairman of the ECTDA, Uche Anya said, "We call you here to dialogue so that this Policy will be successfully implemented. Enugu State Government will need your active collaboration, support and full understanding to enable us place Enugu State in a position to effectively contain the challenges of urbanisation.”
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