The Lagos State Government has sealed 14 properties across Ikotun, Ikoyi, Isheri-Osun, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Amuwo-Odofin for allegedly discharging untreated sewage into public drains and violating wastewater management regulations.

The action was carried out by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) as part of intensified monitoring and compliance operations against the indiscriminate discharge of untreated wastewater.

According to the state government, the enforcement followed public complaints as well as findings from routine monitoring and investigations conducted by the agency.

The General Manager of LSWMO, Adefemi Afolabi, said the affected properties were found to be releasing untreated sewage from septic tanks and other wastewater systems into public drains, ongoing drainage works and surrounding areas.

He said some of the violations involved damaged sewer chambers, illegally connected sewer pipes and the deliberate pumping of septic tank contents into public drainage channels.

Afolabi noted that the practices had resulted in foul odour, faecal contamination and environmental nuisance, while posing potential risks to public health.

“Wastewater management is not optional. It is a public health responsibility. Where untreated sewage is deliberately discharged into public drains or the environment, the consequences go beyond the property involved,” he said.

The General Manager stressed that the enforcement exercise was not targeted at any particular location or category of property, adding that property owners, residents, facility managers and businesses were expected to comply with approved wastewater management practices.

“We will continue to respond to credible complaints and act wherever our investigations establish violations,” Afolabi added.

He said the agency remained committed to ensuring that wastewater generated by residential, commercial and institutional properties was properly contained, treated and disposed of through approved channels.

The LSWMO also urged members of the public to report suspected cases of illegal wastewater discharge and other environmental violations to enable the agency to investigate and take appropriate action.