Lekki estate shut down over untreated wastewater discharge

The Lagos State Government has sealed Viva Bella Court II, a residential estate situated in the Lekki Peninsula area of Eti-Osa, over the deliberate discharge of untreated wastewater into public drains and the overflow of septic tanks into the environment.

The enforcement action was carried out on Saturday by officials of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, LSWMO.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the development in a post on his official X account on Sunday, accompanied by images showing the sealed premises and wastewater spilling onto nearby streets.

Wahab explained that the property’s continuous release of untreated wastewater had led to severe environmental pollution, causing an offensive odor and creating health risks for residents in the surrounding areas.

“The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) sealed-off Viva Bella Court II, Lekki Peninsula, Eti-Osa, Lagos, for deliberate discharge of untreated wastewater into the drains via laid pipe and having an overfilled septic tank spilling to the environment.

“The continuous deliberate emptying of the septic tanks has been causing the reported foul smell in the surrounding area,” Wahab’s post read in part.

The mismanagement of septic tanks and the indiscriminate discharge of raw wastewater into the environment present serious threats to public health and safety.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that such acts of environmental negligence would not be condoned, reiterating the state government’s unwavering commitment to protecting public health and preserving the environment.

He called on residents to embrace responsible sanitation practices to prevent future occurrences and safeguard their communities.

Wahab further assured that the government would intensify enforcement efforts to curb violations and ensure strict compliance with environmental standards.