The Lagos State Government has sealed the Orchid Shopping Centre in Eti-Osa for endangering the environment and residents’ well-being. The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) took swift action, closing the popular shopping hub for illegally discharging wastewater onto the roads and into public drains, creating a significant health hazard.
Tokunbo Wahab, the state’s Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, made the announcement via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, confirming the closure. The shopping centre, located along Orchid Road, Eti-Osa, was shut down for its blatant violation of environmental laws, sparking concerns about public safety.
In his statement, Wahab emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling environmental pollution. “The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office today, Friday, September 27, 2024, sealed off Orchid Shopping Centre’s premises for discharging wastewater onto the road and public drains, thereby creating an environmental nuisance and endangering public health,” the statement read.
The agency also issued a stern warning to other businesses in the state, threatening severe penalties for those who engage in similar practices. The statement urged businesses and individuals to immediately stop discharging untreated wastewater and sewage into the environment, highlighting that violators would face consequences under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.
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“The Lagos State Government reiterates that the State has zero tolerance for environmental pollution and degradation,” the statement concluded.
This closure signals the Lagos State Government’s unwavering stance against environmental pollution. The administration has made it clear that any business or property owner caught violating environmental regulations will face severe consequences. The crackdown is part of a broader effort to protect Lagosians from the harmful effects of untreated sewage and wastewater, which can cause disease outbreaks and environmental degradation.
Residents of Eti-Osa have expressed relief at the government’s actions, with many calling for stricter enforcement of environmental laws to ensure a cleaner, safer Lagos.
