Lagos govt seals old NITEL building over public health concerns

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) has sealed the old NITEL building on Marcathy Street in Obalende, Lagos Island, for discharging sewage into public drains.

The agency said the action followed investigations which revealed that occupants of the building were releasing untreated wastewater into the drainage system.

Western Post gathered that residents in the area had earlier complained about a strong stench of faeces and urine around the building, suggesting that the odour was as a result of environmental violations done weeks before enforcement actions were taken.

While addressing the situation, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the enforcement exercise was carried out to stop the illegal discharge of sewage into the streets.

He explained that the operation was conducted in collaboration with officers of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI).

According to Wahab, the untreated sewage had turned surrounding streets into open cesspits, thereby creating offensive smells and causing public nuisance.

He added that such actions pose serious health risks, including the possible outbreak of cholera and other infectious diseases, and violate existing environmental laws.

The commissioner urged residents to adopt proper wastewater management and hygiene practices, warning that acts of environmental nuisance would attract sanctions and possible prosecution.