Residents of American Quarters in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to urgently address persistent noise pollution allegedly caused by church crusades, street evangelism and worship centres operating within the residential community.
In a petition signed by community spokesman, Victor Ononye, the residents said excessive use of loudspeakers, drums and other sound equipment during religious activities has disrupted public peace and poses health risks, especially to elderly residents and people with underlying medical conditions.
The community also alleged that some residential buildings have been converted into churches in violation of urban planning regulations, with night vigils and outdoor crusades frequently disturbing the neighbourhood.
The residents urged the state government to enforce existing environmental and planning laws by restricting outdoor religious activities in residential areas, banning the use of external loudspeakers, mandating soundproofing for worship centres and preventing the conversion of residential buildings into places of worship without proper approval.
They called for sustained enforcement to restore peace and protect the residential character of the historic American Quarters community.
