Tackling Noise Pollution: The Lagos Example

Last week, Lagos
State Government
reportedly sealed about 53 churches, mosques and hotels across the state over noise pollution and other environmental offences. That action followed series of complaints allegedly received by the State Environmental Protection Agency from residents who were fed up with the uncontrolled increase of noise pollution in the state.
Such courageous action definitely cannot go uncommented especially given the fact that ours is a society where many people in authority find it difficult to take necessary measures to correct  or stop certain anomalies in the land. Ours is a country where everybody claims to be very religious to the extent that any criticism of a religious leader or a religion no matter how constructive is considered as persecution or even an attack on God. That explains why noise pollution particularly by churches and mosques had continued unabated over the years inspite of existing laws meant to tackle it.
With the growing number of worship centres in the country, one would have expected that the authorities concerned would have ensured that there is strict adherence to the laws on noise pollution and building of houses, but incidentally, that is not the case. Religious houses are cited anywhere in the country irrespective of whether the place is meant to be strictly a residential area or not.
In some streets in the cities there could be two or more worship centres disturbing the peace of the people leaving in that neighbouhood in the name of worshipping. Sometimes you will see a small church of not up to 20 members polluting the environment with the noise coming from huge loud speakers mounted outside, the high tuned musical equipment and the minister shouting on top of his voice.
A Public Affairs analyst once painted a picture where some Nigerians after the hard day’s job and spending hours in traffic before getting home, are faced with noise coming from many generating sets in their compounds. By the time these gadgets are tuned off around 11:00pm, several churches within the environment had begun their mid night prayers or night vigil. We all know the volume of noise that could be associated with this. Then around 5am when the church programmes are winding up, comes a very loud noise from giant loud speakers mounted at various corners of a mosque close to their houses, calling worshippers for prayers. Imagine what these peoples’ lives will be like.
At passengers loading parks, high density residential areas, industrial areas, construction site, on the traffic, music stalls, virtually everywhere we are exposed to excessive noise pollution. The truth is that the more little or no attention is paid to the control of noise pollution in the country, the more risks the people face.
In recent years, many studies have shown that noise pollution is an issue that must be taken into serious consideration. Not only has noise pollution been associated with hearing loss, there are other harmful effects on the human body. According to an article on British Medical bulletin, other issues resulting from noise pollution include hypertension, social disorder psychological and psychiatric disorders among others. “It is generally believed that noise disturbs activities and communications, causing annoyance. In some cases, annoyance may lead to stress responses, then symptoms and possibly illness,  posits the article. Perhaps, this explains the irrational behavior of many Nigerians at both private and public places.
It is therefore important that concerted efforts be made by relevant authorities and individuals to combat noise pollution in our society. The fact  is that, no matter how unpleasant it is, noise is considered part of a city life which no country  can evade completely, but it behoves on the authorities to control it in the interest of the people.
Lagos state government has taken a lead which is expected that other state governments should emulate. Religious houses, clubs, hotels, event centres and other public places must be made to abide by the rules of the land. Ours cannot continue to be a country where anything goes. In many other countries, churches, mosques, clubs and other public places are sound proof. Why can’t ours be like that? Why can’t we worship without causing pain to the people around us?
Some psychologists have postulated that better education, tougher enforcement and changes in individual habit and behavior can make a great difference. If more people are aware of the effect of noise pollution on their health and know that they have the right to report the individual or organization causing that pollution to relevant authorities as the residents of Lagos did, and if the authorities are willing to take necessary actions against the defaulters not minding whose ox is gored , then ours will be a better place.

Calista Ezeaku