Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Governor Peter Mbah-led administration in Enugu State has directed all night clubs, beer parlours and other entertainment operators to mitigate their noise pollution particularly in residential areas.
The governor’s message was conveyed to the operators by the Chairman of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, ECTDA, Hon. Uche Anya, at a stakeholders engagement meeting in Enugu.
Anya stated the government was proud that the operators have chosen the state to carryout their businesses, adding that no mega city exists without night life.
he added that the state government was willing to partner with the operators for decent bubbling night life.
He, however, disclosed that his office had received over 200 petitions from residents complaining about their inability to sleep at nights because of the noise pollution emanating from such business areas.
“One of such prominent citizens is the Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese.
“He said he can’t sleep, that he is surrounded by night clubs.
“The Governor also complained that he hardly treat files at night because of the noise from such business premises close to the lodge.
“We need bubbling night life but not a nightmarish nightmare. We want a city that doesn’t sleep, but our children can’t sleep, they can’t do their home works because of noise. So we need to agree on how to run our night life,” Anya said.
Anya asked the business operators to embrace acoustic technology for operation of indoor loud music and stick to their approvals by the town planning authority.
He also advised those who were yet to have approvals to approach the agency for the approval, warning that any violation of the new rules will attract closure of such premises and N5 million fine.
One of the operators, Mr. Chukwunonso Ulasi in his submission said that they were disposed to working with the state government, but that they need improved security around their businesses.
“We’ve built relationship with our neighbours, what we need is a threshold under which to operate,” Ulasi said.
