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The Lagos State Government has sealed several properties, including a healthcare facility, over the alleged discharge of untreated sewage into public drains and the surrounding environment.
The action is part of a renewed crackdown on improper wastewater disposal across the state.
According to a government statement, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) carried out the enforcement operation after discovering that some property owners and facility operators were disposing of sewage improperly.
The office said the practice posed a risk of environmental pollution and threatened public health.
During the latest operation, the agency sealed three properties at Nos. 39, 41 and 43, James Okiki Street, Oko-Oba, over the discharge of untreated sewage into the environment.
The LSWMO described the violations as public nuisance, environmental pollution and a possible health hazard to residents.
The agency also sealed Darvinks Healthcare, located at No. 13, Hollandia Way, Ajao Estate, Isolo.
The facility was accused of discharging sewage directly into public drains with a pumping machine instead of using an authorised sewage evacuation service provider.
The office said the practice was a serious environmental violation that could affect public sanitation and human health.
Lagos warns against illegal sewage disposal
Speaking on the enforcement exercise, the General Manager of LSWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, said the agency would continue to take action against property owners and facility operators who fail to follow wastewater management regulations.
Afolabi warned that the careless disposal of untreated sewage, poor wastewater handling and failure to maintain working sewage systems would attract sanctions.
These could include sealing affected premises 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,” he said.
The general manager also warned property owners and operators against using pumping machines to discharge sewage directly into public drainage channels.
He said the practice would attract sanctions.
Afolabi further cautioned members of the public against harassing or assaulting LSWMO personnel while they carry out their official duties.
He said the office would continue to perform its legal responsibilities and would not tolerate intimidation, assault or obstruction of officers carrying out lawful duties.
Other properties sealed
Other properties placed under regulatory closure include No. 1, Abiola Johnson Street, Alimosho, where the agency found a burst sewage pipe.
A Funmall facility on T. F. Kuboye Road, Lekki, was also sealed over alleged deliberate sewage discharge and poor sanitation.
The list also includes No. 5, Idowu Dabiri Street, Sangotedo, and No. 11, Amuto Street, Adeniji, Lagos Island, over sanitation and sewage disposal violations.
At No. 55, Temidire Street, Olodi-Apapa, Ajegunle, the agency said raw sewage had been discharged into public drainage.
The LSWMO urged residents to adopt responsible wastewater management practices in line with the state government’s environmental campaign.
It also encouraged members of the public to report cases of improper wastewater disposal through the agency’s telephone lines and social media platforms.
