Enugu to tackle noise pollution from churches, entertainment centres

The Enugu State government has declared noise pollution from churches and entertainment centres as one of the greatest problems faced by residents of the state.

It stated that it has received over one thousand petitions from residents urging it to take measures to curb the spread of the menace.

The government slated November 15, 2024, for the implementation of sanctions on noise pollution and advised churches and owners of entertainment centres to soundproof their buildings so as not to disturb the neighbourhood.

Chairman of the State Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Uche Anya, who met with leaders of religious groups and owners of event centres to discuss ways of curtailing noise pollution in the area, insisted that residents have the right to non-interference with their privacy.

He stated that the meeting, which was held at the state secretariat in Enugu, was part of the agency’s campaign to clamp down on the menace of noise pollution in the state.

It would be recalled that the state government had, in December 2023, as part of its urban renewal policy, directed all nightclubs, beer parlours, and other entertainment operators to mitigate their noise pollution in the capital city, particularly in residential areas.

Anya said the engagement was apt because the state government would soon commence the implementation of the Anti-Noise Pollution Policy.

The chairman further said that the aim of the engagement was not to demolish any church or entertainment centre but to brainstorm on the best way to make the residential areas hospitable.

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While stating that the authority had received over a thousand petitions from people concerning the rate of noise pollution in the state, the ECTDA boss urged church leaders and entertainment centres to ensure that their buildings were soundproofed.

He threatened to shut down any church or entertainment centre within residential zones that refuses to comply with the directives of the government, even if it has obtained any form of noise permit from the state government.

Anya promised that the agency would be humane in handling the situation, which, according to him, was not aimed at harming anyone but at making the state conducive for living and in the best interest of the citizens.

“We cannot continue to live as if the society is lawless. People wake up every day and plant churches and entertainment centres as they like, creating unpleasant noise to discomfort residents. We will no longer tolerate this,” he said.

In their separate speeches, Rev. Carley Ibekwe and the leader of the Hausa community in Enugu, Alhaji Sariki Sambo, assured the agency of their readiness to comply with the directives.

Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mainstream Media, Dan Nwomeh, and his New Media counterpart, Dr. Reuben Onyishi, who commended the ECTDA chairman for his efforts in bringing sanity to the metropolis, urged the agency to also consider relocating roadside mechanics to a more suitable place.

They also condemned the practice of blocking major roads and streets during weekends by residents in the guise of ceremonies and urged the agency to intervene.