The government in Edo State government has said all religious worship houses, event centres, clubs, lounges, and other public places who go against the state’s noise pollution guidelines, including installation of soundproof in their buildings will be sealed by March 31.
The Joint task force made up of officials of Edo State Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability had commenced serving notices to the facilities, informing them of a 90-day grace period to install soundproof materials in their facilities.
The decision came after a stakeholders’ meeting held on October 31, 2022, between government officials and owners of establishments requiring noise control.
The notice titled, “Soundproofing Requirement for Your Property” has been served to stakeholders and especially owners of hotels, lounges, clubs, bars, churches, mosques, and event centres, among others across Benin.
State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, said the notices convey the agreement reached by the stakeholders on a March 31, 2023 deadline for compliance.
She noted that, “The facility owners have a 90-day grace period.
“The notices are also accompanied by a leaflet to guide on soundproofing specifications and materials, as well as the role of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability in providing further guidance on soundproofing requirements’’, Omo said .
She further explained that, the closure of facilities became necessary after MPPHURD started receiving incessant complaints and petitions from the general public.
