The Lagos State Government has sealed 14 properties across Ikotun, Ikoyi, Isheri-Osun, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Amuwo-Odofin for allegedly discharging untreated sewage into public drains and violating wastewater management regulations.
The enforcement was carried out by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) as part of intensified efforts to monitor and curb the indiscriminate discharge of untreated wastewater across the state.
According to a statement issued by the state government, the action followed complaints from members of the public as well as findings from routine monitoring and investigations conducted by the agency.
The LSWMO said the exercise was aimed at protecting public health, safeguarding the environment and ensuring compliance with Lagos State wastewater management regulations.
The General Manager of the agency, Adefemi Afolabi, said the affected properties were found discharging untreated sewage from septic tanks and other wastewater systems into public drains, ongoing drainage projects and surrounding areas.
He said the violations included broken or dilapidated sewer chambers, illegally connected sewer pipes and the deliberate pumping of septic tank contents into public drainage channels.
According to Afolabi, the practices had caused foul odour, faecal contamination and environmental nuisance, while exposing residents to potential public health risks.
He said the agency would continue to take decisive action against activities capable of endangering residents and communities.
“Wastewater management is not optional. It is a public health responsibility. Where untreated sewage is deliberately discharged into public drains or the environment, the consequences go beyond the property involved. It creates environmental nuisance, exposes communities to health risks and undermines the State’s efforts to build a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos,” Afolabi said.
The general manager stressed that the monitoring and enforcement activities were not targeted at any particular location or category of property.
He urged property owners, residents, facility managers and businesses to comply with approved wastewater management practices.
“We will continue to respond to credible complaints and act wherever our investigations establish violations. Our commitment is to ensuring that wastewater generated by residential, commercial and institutional properties is properly contained, treated and disposed of through approved channels,” he added.
The agency also urged members of the public to report suspected cases of illegal wastewater discharge and other environmental violations.
It said timely reports would assist its officers in investigating and addressing such infractions.
