Health Safety: Lagos Threatens Clampdown On Producers Of Water, Drinks

Lagos State government yesterday said it had concluded plans to enforce the Environmental Management Protection Law, EMPL, 2017, following the discovery of defaulters abstracting groundwater without authorisation for production.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, who stated this at a press conference in Lagos, stressed that unregulated groundwater abstraction could lead to land subsidence, contamination of groundwater sources, and other environmental hazards.

According to him, “The Environmental Management Protection Law, EMPL, 2017, empowers the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, LASWARCO, to regulate all activities impacting groundwater, regulate the activities of those engaged in the abstraction, provision, consumption, production, supply, distribution, and sale of water, processing water into carbonated drinks, beverages and others, under Section 313,sub-section 1 (h) (i).

“The EMPL, under the Sanctions, Fines and Penalties, classifies the abstraction of groundwater without authorisation and operating without a license as offences under Law.

“Unfortunately, many defaulters abstract groundwater without authorisation, posing a substantial environmental and public health risk.

“In 2020, Mr Governor gave 75 per cent waiver concessions on groundwater abstraction. Only a few bottling Companies, like 7UP, CWAY La Caserta and the Hotel Owners Association, were fully compliant.

“However, due to the low level of compliance, LASWARCO is commencing the enforcement of regulatory compliance and informing the public of the importance of promoting sustainable groundwater management and reducing over-extraction.

“These defaulters are not only breaking the law, but they are also denying the state government additional opportunities to fund critical infrastructure projects and improve the lives of Lagosians.

“That is why the government calls on all organisations within the regulated entities to come forward and regularise their operations.

The government is committed to working with all stakeholders to regulate the water sector relatively and transparently. However, the Lagos State Government will not hesitate to penalise those who refuse to comply with the law, as letters with 72 72-hour ultimatum were shared last week, which will continue.

“Enforcement action will be taken against non-compliant organisations (defaulters) as this will serve as a deterrent to others and reflect the seriousness with which we take these offences.

“We are committed to protecting the environment and public health, ensuring compliance with regulatory provisions, which remains mandatory for all entities using groundwater for production or consumption. We will take all necessary steps to ensure that this responsibility is discharged.”