World Tolerance Day: LASEPA seals religious centres over noise pollution
As
Lagos State joined other countries of the world to commemorate the 2019
United Nations International Day of Tolerance, the Lagos State
Environmental Protection Agency, (LASEPA) embarked on a clampdown of
some religious outlets comprising of mosques and churches across
different areas of the State for causing noise pollution and disruption
of peace within their vicinity.
Following the clampdown exercise
of these religious outlets by LASEPA, the General Manager of the Agency,
Dr. Dolapo Fasawe said there is no hiding place for any religious
organisation that cannot operate within the ambit of the law, regardless
of their faith inclinations.
She said that mutual respect of
views, culture and religion, which the annual Tolerance Day celebration
symbolises across the world, must be adhered to by all residents of the
State, particularly religious organisations that should be the bastion
of good conduct, tolerance, brotherliness and godly neighbourliness.
Fasawe
assured residents that LASEPA will not rest on its oars in bequeathing a
noiseless city to all inhabitants of the State, stressing that those
recalcitrant organisations or worship centres, known to be disturbing
the peace of Lagosians, will face the full wrath of the law.
She
maintained that the government will not condone infringements on the
rights of other residents of the State in the name of religious
activities.
Recalling the inundating petitions and outcry from
residents of the State over the insensitivity and intolerance of some
religious outlets in different areas, the LASEPA boss regrettably noted
that several warnings issued to the management of these churches and
mosques had not yielded the expected result.
“The government
recognises that the State thrives on peaceful co-existence among
practitioners of the major religions across the State, but of great
concern to the State Government is the need for religious activities to
be conducted in a manner that worshippers and citizens would not
infringe on each other’s rights”, the General Manager reiterated.
According
to the LASEPA GM, the illegal and unauthorised conversion of
residential property for religious use without recourse to the wellbeing
of other residents and the State of the environment is of great concern
to the present administration.
Speaking further, on the sealed
worship centres, Dr. Fasawe explained that for the facilities to reopen,
the leaders of these organisations must reach an agreement of
compliance with the Agency and also satisfy other necessary conditions
as may be prescribed by LASEPA.
The General Manager, however,
warned ownership and management of any sealed property to desist from
unsealing same without government approval to avoid severe sanctions.
Some
of the facilities sealed are located at 68, Old Otta Rd, Orile Agege;
4, Ademola Oshinowo, Off Loveall Street, Ketu; Dele Amuda Street,
Lekki;17, Ajileye Street, Ilaje Bariga; 39, Kusenla Road, Elegushi;
Ajayi Bembe Street, Abule Oja, Yaba, among others.
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