Residents of Luveve 4, Enqameni, in Bulawayo have petitioned the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) over excessive noise and loud music from Chigumira Shopping Centre, saying the disturbances are affecting their sleep, children’s studies and general wellbeing.
In a petition signed by 93 residents, dated August 17 and addressed to the Town Clerk, the residents said loud disco and entertainment music from the shopping centre frequently continued into the early hours of the morning.
“We, the undersigned residents of Luveve 4, Enqameni, Bulawayo, respectfully submit this petition to the Bulawayo City Council seeking urgent intervention regarding excessive noise and loud music emanating from the shopping centre within our neighbourhood,” the residents said.
“For some time now, residents have been subjected to very loud disco/music and entertainment noise, frequently continuing until the early hours of the morning. The noise has become a serious disturbance to residents and is adversely affecting the peace, quiet and general quality of life within our community.”
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The residents said the noise was disrupting normal sleeping patterns and making it difficult for children and school-going learners to study, rest and sleep adequately.
They also raised concerns about the impact on elderly residents and other vulnerable members of the community, as well as people who have to wake up early for work and other daily responsibilities.
The petition cites stress, irritation and a deterioration in residents’ wellbeing among the effects of the disturbance, while expressing concern over possible health effects associated with prolonged exposure to excessive noise.
According to the residents, the music often continues beyond 8pm and, on some occasions, into the early hours of the morning.
“We believe that residents have a legitimate expectation to enjoy their homes and community without being subjected to unreasonable and excessive noise throughout the night,” they said.
The residents acknowledged that the city has by-laws and regulations governing noise, public nuisance, entertainment activities and the use of premises, including restrictions on excessive loud music and night-time activities.
They have asked the council to investigate whether operators at the shopping centre and entertainment establishments operating from the premises are complying with applicable by-laws, licences, permits and operating conditions.
They also want the council to investigate the source and extent of the noise and conduct an official inspection and, where appropriate, a noise-level assessment at the premises, particularly during the hours when residents are affected.
The residents further want the council to establish whether businesses at the shopping centre have the necessary licences, permits and approvals to conduct entertainment activities involving amplified music.
They called for enforcement of applicable city by-laws and regulations concerning excessive noise, public nuisance and night-time entertainment.
Businesses found responsible for excessive noise should, according to the petition, immediately reduce music volumes to “lawful and reasonable levels” and comply with their operating conditions.
The residents stressed that they were not opposed to businesses operating in their community or to lawful entertainment activities.
“We wish to make it clear that we are not opposed to businesses operating in our community or to lawful entertainment activities. We recognise the importance of businesses and shopping centres to the local economy and to the provision of services to residents,” they said.
“However, commercial activities must be conducted in a manner that respects the rights, health, safety, peace and wellbeing of surrounding residents.”
They said businesses’ right to operate should not come at the expense of residents’ right to sleep and enjoy their homes peacefully.
“The right of a business to operate and provide entertainment should not result in residents being deprived of sleep and peaceful enjoyment of their homes throughout the night,” the residents said.
The petition calls on the council to strike a balance between commercial activities and the interests of surrounding residents.
The residents also want the local authority to engage them on the outcome of its investigations, take appropriate enforcement action where necessary and put measures in place to prevent the problem from recurring.
“This petition is submitted because the situation has become intolerable for many residents. We respectfully request that the Council treats this matter as urgent and takes practical steps to resolve it without further delay,” they said.
They requested a written response confirming receipt of the petition and outlining the action the council intends to take.
The residents said they were prepared to provide further information, including dates, times and specific incidents of excessive noise, and to cooperate with the council during any investigation.
The petition was also copied to the Member in Charge at ZRP Luveve Station and the Ward 16 councillor.
Ward 16 covers New Luveve, Gwabalanda, Enqameni, Luveve North and Old Luveve.
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