Enugu government to shut down churches and mosques over noise pollution.

Friday, August 16, 2024 -The Enugu State Government has announced plans to enforce a strict crackdown on noise pollution within the Enugu metropolis, with the potential closure of churches, mosques, nightclubs, and bars that fail to comply with new regulations. 

 This move is part of the government's broader anti-noise policy aimed at addressing the growing concerns of residents over excessive noise during religious services and entertainment activities.

 Uche Anya, the Chairperson of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, made the announcement on Thursday during a town hall meeting that included residents, religious leaders, and business owners. Anya emphasized that the government will not tolerate any establishment—be it a church, mosque, nightclub, or bar—that allows sound to spill over into neighbouring compounds.

 "Churches should build acoustics, mosques and nightclubs should build acoustics," Anya stated. "We will not allow sounds from churches, mosques, nightclubs, and even bars to be heard in other compounds."

 This decision comes after the state government received over 1,000 petitions from residents complaining about the detrimental effects of noise pollution on their daily lives. Anya pointed out that noise pollution has become a significant issue in Enugu, disrupting the peace and sleep of many residents, particularly in areas where religious activities and nightlife converge with residential neighbourhoods.

 "We have zones in the Enugu metropolis. You can’t establish a church in a residential area. We will not allow that. We will shut such churches down," Anya declared, adding that the same rules apply to nightclubs operating in residential areas.

 The town hall meeting was part of the government's efforts to engage with stakeholders and gather input on how best to implement the noise control measures. Anya stressed that enforcement would begin on November 15, 2023, and urged all affected establishments to take immediate steps to comply with the regulations, including the installation of acoustics or soundproofing measures.

 "We don’t want to hear the sound of your music in another person’s compound," Anya warned, noting that buildings erected outside the state's master plan but with government approval would be required to adhere to the new noise control standards.