A statement by the state government said the enforcement exercise was carried out by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, LSWMO, after discovering that some property owners and facility operators were engaging in improper sewage disposal practices capable of polluting the environment and endangering public health.
In the latest operation, the agency sealed three properties at Nos. 39, 41 and 43, James Okiki Street, Oko-Oba, for discharging raw sewage into the environment.
LSWMO also sealed Darvinks Healthcare, located at No. 13, Hollandia Way, Ajao Estate, Isolo, for allegedly discharging sewage directly into public drains with a pumping machine instead of using an authorised sewage evacuation service provider.
The office said the practice amounted to a serious environmental violation with consequences for public sanitation and human health.
Speaking on the enforcement activities, the General Manager of LSWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to taking action against property owners and facility operators who fail to comply with established wastewater management regulations.
Afolabi warned that the indiscriminate disposal of untreated sewage, poor wastewater handling and failure to maintain functional sewage infrastructure would attract regulatory sanctions, including the sealing of 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, stressing that the practice would attract sanctions from the agency.
He further cautioned members of the public against harassing or assaulting LSWMO personnel while they carry out their official duties.
According to him, the Office would continue to perform its statutory responsibilities, adding that intimidation, assault or obstruction of officers carrying out lawful duties would not be tolerated.
Other properties placed under regulatory closure by the Office include No. 1, Abiola Johnson Street, Alimosho, following the discovery of a burst sewage pipe.
A Funmall facility on T. F. Kuboye Road, Lekki, was also sealed over deliberate sewage discharge and unsanitary conditions.
The list further includes No. 5, Idowu Dabiri Street, Sangotedo, and No. 11, Amuto Street, Adeniji, Lagos Island, over sanitation and sewage disposal violations.
Also affected was No. 55, Temidire Street, Olodi-Apapa, Ajegunle, where raw sewage was discharged into public drainage.
The Office 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 hot lines.
Residents can also report violations through the agency’s social media platforms.
