Lagos Seals 14 Properties Over Untreated Sewage Discharge
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The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office has sealed 14 properties across six areas of the state for allegedly discharging untreated sewage into public drains and other wastewater violations.
The Lagos State Government has sealed 14 properties across Ikotun, Ikoyi, Isheri-Osun, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Amuwo-Odofin for allegedly discharging untreated sewage into public drains and committing other wastewater management violations.
The enforcement was carried out by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) as part of intensified monitoring and compliance activities against the indiscriminate discharge of untreated wastewater, the state government said. The operation followed public complaints and findings from routine monitoring and investigations.
LSWMO General Manager Adefemi Afolabi said the affected properties were found to be releasing untreated sewage from septic tanks and other wastewater systems into public drains, ongoing drainage works and nearby areas. Some of the violations involved broken or dilapidated sewer chambers, illegally connected sewer pipes and the deliberate pumping of septic tank contents into public drainage channels.
According to him, the practices resulted in foul odour, faecal contamination and environmental nuisance, while also posing potential risks to public health.
Afolabi said the agency would continue to take decisive action against practices capable of exposing residents and communities to environmental and public health risks, stressing that wastewater management is not optional but a public health responsibility. He said property owners, residents, facility managers and businesses are expected to comply with approved wastewater management practices.
The agency urged members of the public to report suspected cases of illegal wastewater discharge and other environmental infractions, saying timely reports would assist its officers in investigating and addressing violations.