Lagos action plan on noise pollution

Cautioning drivers against noise pollution, the governor said that the action plan became imperative as a result of the volume of petitions the government got from the public over the level of noise they experience in their localities. He described noise pollution as a self-inflicted problem, noting that some people on a daily basis prevent […]

Cautioning drivers against noise pollution, the governor said that the action plan became imperative as a result of the volume of petitions the government got from the public over the level of noise they experience in their localities. He described noise pollution as a self-inflicted problem, noting that some people on a daily basis prevent others from living a normal life or enjoying their sleep due to the volume of noise from many installed devices like horns, loudspeakers and other sources of high-decibel sounds. Fashola said that things could be better if those who engaged in increasing the sound levels recognised the harm they cause.
Noise pollution, especially outdoor noise caused by machines and transportation systems like vehicles, factories, trains and aircraft, can be a source of discomfort in everyday life. Because some people have lived with noise all their life, and have become used to it, they are often unaware of the effects on them. Poor urban planning is partly to blame; and the absence of regulation to restrict noise to a certain decibel level in designated areas adds to the problem.  It is a noisy, therefore unpleasant, environment when people speak at the top of their voices, play music at very high volumes or hawk wares with the use of loud hailers and large speakers mounted on vehicles. In addition to vehicle horns, residents of urban towns and cities in Nigeria are victims of deafening noise through disproportionate noise from generators and grinding machines and rock blasters.
Such environment affects both health and behaviour.  High noise levels may cause hypertension, high stress levels, hearing loss and sleeping disorders. Unwanted sound becomes noise when it either interferes with normal activities such as sleeping or diminishes the quality of life. Researchers have demonstrated that noise pollution is also a cause of annoyance. Sometimes noise, a reflection of the daily hustle and bustle of cities, can be mistaken for gaiety of the people and the rhythm and beat of the town. But these come at a cost. Hearing loss is one; aggressive behaviour is another. The cost to the state, through healthcare and other social support services suggests that it would be cost effective in the long run to bring awareness of the problem to the public. That is why it is important that the example of Lagos State should serve as model for the country.  Lagos State could also go further to extend the horn-free period from one day to a more frequent routine.
Noise produced by reckless driving on the roads can be reduced through the application of strict laws with appropriate sanctions. Other measures may include banning the use of loudspeakers by street hawkers and regulating sound levels in clubs, bars, parks and music shops and in homes. The present laws (where they exist) on noise pollution need to be revised with a view to strengthening them. Rules should also be introduced to make it possible for residents to claim restitution from neighbours who pollute the environment through playing musical instruments too loud or other noise sources. But the authorities must first calibrate sound levels that make sense for every area that has been designated for noise control and for the public to be aware of them.
Everyone is at risk of being affected by noise pollution. Environmental protection agencies have a duty to educate citizens of their roles in tackling the menace at personal level. Lowering the volume of radio and music system in private and commercial vehicles is the beginning of the collective effort at curbing the noise menace.