Breaking: Carizma Hotel Shut Down by LASG Amidst Noise Pollution Uproar

Infostride News reported that the Lagos State Government took decisive action by sealing Carizma Hotel and Luxury Suites on 10/12 Ishola Lemomu Street, New Oko-Oba, Abule Egba, in response to persistent noise pollution complaints. The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) executed the closure on December 27, 2023, after the hotel repeatedly failed to comply with the specified guidelines outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during earlier engagements with the regulatory agency.

This development was unveiled through an official statement from LASEPA, available on the agency’s official communication platform. According to the statement, Carizma Hotel had committed to the terms of the MoU it signed with LASEPA in November. The agreement aimed to curtail noisy activities by imposing a 10 pm curfew and ensuring adherence to approved noise levels, among other stipulations. Regrettably, the hotel management did not fulfill its commitment, prompting LASEPA to take the stringent measure of sealing the establishment.

The genesis of this issue dates back to November when residents of the neighborhood surrounding Carizma Hotel filed a formal complaint with LASEPA, citing the incessant noise pollution emanating from the hotel premises. Following this complaint, LASEPA conducted an on-site inspection and discovered that Carizma Hotel and Luxury Suites, operating within a residential area, possessed four external speakers, five micro speakers, three television sets, and a jazz set.

On November 8, LASEPA issued a set of stipulated guidelines to address the noise pollution concern. These guidelines included reducing the number of external speakers to two and mandating the cessation of all noisy activities at the open bar by 10 pm. The hotel management, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, signed an MoU with LASEPA in a commitment to adhere to these guidelines.

However, despite the signed agreement, Carizma Hotel failed to implement the necessary measures outlined in the MoU. Consequently, LASEPA issued an official warning on November 22, 2023, emphasizing the importance of compliance with the agreed-upon terms. Despite this second warning, the hotel management remained non-compliant.

LASEPA’s stipulated guidelines aimed to address the noise pollution issue comprehensively. Firstly, the agency mandated the reduction of external speakers to two, emphasizing the need to adjust internal speaker volumes to comply with permissible noise limits that prioritize the comfort of the hotel’s patrons without causing disturbance to the surrounding neighborhood. Additionally, the guidelines included a directive to halt all activities contributing to noise pollution at the open bar by 10 pm, allowing residents in the vicinity to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.

Furthermore, in line with acceptable noise levels for residential areas, LASEPA instructed Carizma Hotel to adhere to a maximum noise level of 55 decibels (dB) during the day and 45 dB at night. These limits were established to create a harmonious coexistence between the hotel and the neighboring community, promoting a conducive living environment for all parties involved.

Despite the clear and reasonable guidelines provided by LASEPA, Carizma Hotel’s failure to comply not only led to its closure but also underscored the importance of adhering to environmental regulations to maintain a balanced and peaceful cohabitation within residential areas.

The closure of Carizma Hotel serves as a stern reminder to other establishments to prioritize environmental considerations and community welfare in their operations. LASEPA’s decisive action reinforces the significance of regulatory compliance in preserving the quality of life for residents and fostering a harmonious relationship between commercial enterprises and the communities in which they operate. It also highlights the responsibility that businesses bear in managing their activities to mitigate negative impacts on the environment and the well-being of surrounding residents.