GCC reviews noise and nuisance bye-laws

Gaborone City Council (GCC) is reviewing the noise and nuisance bye -laws with a view to tightening penalties on offenders.

Under the new bye-laws, churches, bars, liquor restaurants and jaywalkers will not escape the wrath of the law for making noise at night. Even the innovative motorists who have fitted their automobiles with powerful music systems and often drive around either playing amplified music on the streets, parking areas, outside night clubs and, or residential areas, will not escape the long arm of the law.

The municipality is currently going around addressing Kgotla meetings to consult and gather suggestions from residents on the proposed changes to the bye-laws. The schedule of meetings began at Taung Primary School last week, with the Old Naledi Customary Court hosting another meeting yesterday. The last meeting is set for Gaborone West Customary Court meeting on August 2.

Speaking to The Midweek Sun, GCC Public Relations Officer, Ethel Koma said the decision to review the noise and nuisance bye-laws was influenced by the realisation that the present law is not only outdated, but has been overtaken by events. It came into force in March 1966 before the manufacturing of the modern amplified music systems. Secondly, it precedes the Crusade Churches which are renowned for playing loud amplified music as well as singing loudly.

The bye-law also came into use before night clubs, bars and liquor restaurants were allocated plots within the residential areas. She said that GCC has and continues to receive complaints from members of the public to do something about the continuous increase of noise made by different groups throughout the city.

Chief Bye Law enforcement technician¸Ishmael William said although they are fully aware this will not be a complete deterrent, they will purchase noise meter machines which they will carry along and be able to measure the amount of noise and either warn or charge the offenders accordingly if they are not cooperative.

William revealed that GCC has proposed to stop issuing free noise licence, but will henceforth charge a service fee of P100 for it. This licence will allow one to play amplified music within the stipulated hours. GCC intends to not only increase, but double the penalty fee for people found to be making noise within their residential areas from the present P150 to P300, while churches and businesses found to be making noise will be charged P1000.00.

“After completing the consultation process, we will come up with a draft law and hand it over to the parent ministry of local government for the minister to look at it before signing and turning into a new law,” said William.