Top Rank Hotel may face significant consequences from the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) due to ongoing noise pollution, according to an insider source.
The anticipated sanctions arise from numerous complaints and petitions from local residents, who have flooded the ECTDA with reports of excessive noise caused by outdoor music from the hotel located near the ESBS junction at Independence Layout, Enugu.
The source revealed, “The primary issue is environmental abuse resulting from noise pollution. Residents report that they are unable to sleep at night, especially on weekends, due to the loud sounds from a live band performing in the hotel’s garden. Our staff, assigned to investigate the complaints, returned with a troubling report.
“The petitioners stated that all attempts to appeal to the hotel management have been ignored. In fact, one of the petitions claims that the management of Top Rank Enugu shows no regard for the concerns of the community.
“It is precisely complaints like this that prompted Barr. Uche Anya, the Executive Chairman of ECTDA, to recently convene a town hall meeting. He invited church and mosque leaders, as well as proprietors of hotels, clubs, event centers, and restaurants, and issued them a ninety-day ultimatum to remove all outdoor speakers or face legal repercussions.
“Although the ninety-day period has not yet concluded, the public outcry regarding Top Rank has escalated to such an extent that the ECTDA feels compelled to take decisive action to restore peace in the neighborhood,” the source explained.
When asked about the specific actions the ECTDA plans to take, the source stated it is an official matter, but assured that they would operate within the legal framework established for the ECTDA.
However, an official of the agency who doesn’t want his name in print told our correspondent revealed that potential sanctions could include hefty fines, the temporary closure of the hotel, or even demolition, depending on the circumstances.
