Yesterday, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) reiterated its commitment towards ending the environmental pollution at the cement batching plant in Onikan.
It also offered solutions to the lingering problems between residents of Boyle Street and Ajasa Streets, in Onikan, Levitikal Company, who are the batching plant owners on Ajasa Street.
In a statement, the agency denied complicity in the handling environmental infractions caused by the company’s activities. However, professionalism, due process, and best global practices were maintained in handling the matter. This was based on the mutual consent of all parties at an earlier meeting, where resolutions that could improve the infractions were discussed, and all agreed to.
At the follow up meeting with stakeholders, Mrs Bisi Shanjibare, Director, Noise and Emissions Control Department, represented Dr. Dolapo Fasawe. She reiterated that the agency supports the relocation of the company to a new location, in order to reduce the noise and pollution in the surrounding environment.
Residents were assured that LASEPA will relocate the batching plant to eliminate all noise and air pollution.
The effective date for the relocation agreement was April 24, 2022. This was when the plant processes would have moved to a suitable location, designated for such activities, away from residences and schools.
The agency shall ensure that palliative measures are taken to reduce the environmental impact of the pollution, as described in the Environmental Management Plan Report (EMP) of the company, while the relocation is being done.
LASEPA stated that residents complained that the company had broken an earlier agreement to limit all activities to day. Otherwise, the law would have taken its course. Non-compliance with agreements is against the provisions of the Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017, Section VI.
Environmentalprotocols to guide the companys operations before relocation were clearly outlined at the meeting with stakeholders. The state encourages entrepreneurship, but it must also ensure that it is sustainable and does not endanger the health of its citizens.
The agency approved the facility prior to the stakeholders meeting on February 16, 2022. This was in accordance with the earlier directives regarding environmental protection strategies.
LASEPA reported that it was decided that the batching plant would cease to operate at the current site by April 24, 2022. In the meantime, palliative measures will be taken to reduce noise and air pollution caused by the plant’s activities.
It was also agreed that operation of the plant will be limited to 8 am to 5 pm on Mondays through Saturdays. Truck movement in and out of the site will be limited to daytime before 5pm.
The statement also stated that a three-week grace period should allow for the decommissioning plant following relocation of operations. Additionally, a Post Impact Assessment Report (PIA) by an accredited environmental consultant shall be completed by the company after the plant is decommissioned.
To forestall such occurrences in the future, LASEPA advise residents to always take interests in new developments/projects in their neighbourhood, especially the ones that may be detrimental to health and environment.It appealed to the general public to promptly report unfriendly activities in their environment to LASEPA, in other to promptly avert pollution and its adverse effect on both human and the environment.