The Enugu State Government has announced a major crackdown on noise pollution in the Enugu metropolis, with potential closures of churches, mosques, nightclubs, and bars that fail to comply with the new regulations.
The government’s actions are a response to over 1,000 petitions from residents who have complained about the disruption of their daily lives due to excessive noise.
Uche Anya, the Chairperson of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, made the announcement on Thursday during a town hall meeting attended by residents, religious leaders, and business owners.
Anya highlighted the impact of noise pollution on various aspects of daily life, including the ability of children to learn and the difficulty faced by parents trying to soothe their babies to sleep.
“We don’t want to hear the sound of your music in another person’s compound,”
Anya stated, emphasizing the need for establishments to be mindful of their surroundings and the well-being of the community.
The government is considering imposing fines or shutting down properties that fail to adhere to the new standards, stating that
“churches, mosques, nightclubs, and even bars must ensure that their activities do not spill over into neighboring compounds.”
To address the issue, the Enugu State Government is urging all affected establishments to take immediate steps to install acoustic or soundproofing measures.
Enforcement of the new noise control measures is set to begin on November 15, 2023.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the government to create a peaceful and conducive environment for all residents, with Anya urging stakeholders to take the necessary actions to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.