Lagos Government Seals Healthcare Facility, Other Properties Over Illegal Sewage Disposal

The Lagos State Government has sealed several properties, including a healthcare facility, over the alleged illegal discharge of untreated sewage into public drains and the open environment.

The enforcement exercise was carried out by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) as part of efforts to tackle improper wastewater disposal, environmental pollution and public health risks across the state.

In a statement, the government said the agency discovered that some property owners and facility operators were engaging in improper sewage disposal practices capable of contaminating the environment and endangering residents.

During the latest operation, three properties at Nos. 39, 41 and 43, James Okiki Street, Oko-Oba, were sealed for allegedly discharging raw sewage into the environment.

The LSWMO also shut down Darvinks Healthcare, located at No. 13, Hollandia Way, Ajao Estate, Isolo, for allegedly using a pumping machine to discharge sewage directly into public drains instead of engaging an authorised sewage evacuation service provider.

The agency described the practice as a serious environmental violation with potential 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 sanctioning property owners and facility operators who violate established wastewater management regulations.

Afolabi warned that indiscriminate disposal of untreated sewage, poor wastewater handling and failure to maintain functional sewage infrastructure could attract 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,” he said.

He stressed that property owners, facility managers and business operators were responsible for providing and maintaining functional sewage infrastructure and ensuring that wastewater was evacuated through authorised service providers.

The general manager also warned against using pumping machines to discharge sewage directly into public drainage channels, saying offenders would face regulatory action.

Other properties sealed by the agency include No. 1, Abiola Johnson Street, Alimosho, following the discovery of a burst sewage pipe, and a Funmall facility on T. F. Kuboye Road, Lekki, over alleged deliberate sewage discharge and unsanitary conditions.

The enforcement list also includes No. 5, Idowu Dabiri Street, Sangotedo, and No. 11, Amuto Street, Adeniji, Lagos Island, over sanitation and sewage disposal violations.

Another affected property was No. 55, Temidire Street, Olodi-Apapa, Ajegunle, where raw sewage was allegedly discharged into public drainage.

Afolabi further cautioned members of the public against harassing, assaulting or obstructing LSWMO personnel carrying out their official duties, insisting that the agency would continue to enforce wastewater management regulations.

The office urged residents to adopt responsible wastewater disposal practices and report cases of improper sewage discharge through its official telephone lines and social media platforms.