Vic Falls residents up in arms with council
TENDAI BHEBE
Residents of Victoria Falls are up in arms with the local authority over the allocation of operating licences to ‘noisy’ bars or nightclubs and church organisations in residential areas.
The current high levels of noise pollution from bars, night clubs and churches within residential areas has become a nuisance and is giving residents sleepless nights, residents say.
They said there was growing danger that the unwanted or undesired sound can impair people’s hearing abilities.
“It is unfortunate that the regulating authorities are issuing licences to business people to establish for example night clubs and bars in the vicinity of residential areas,” the Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association chairperson, Kelvin Moyo , told Business Times.
He added: “ That already is a problem in itself before we look into the bylaws that council will come up with in order to make sure the business people observe or obey or not cause noise that affects the residents.
“I think it’s a bit critical for the local authority to reconsider their decision.”
Contacted for a comment, the Victoria Falls town clerk, Ronnie Dube said: “The city of Victoria Falls has been overwhelmed with complaints from various residents regarding noise within residential areas.
“Please note that in terms of the local authority by-laws no person should operate or cause or permitted to operate any wireless loud speaker, gramophone, amplifier, or similar instrument to the annoyance of the occupants or of any premises in the neighbourhood.”
Recently, Gweru City Council came up with by-laws to deal with noise pollution, a development that will see offending bars, churches among others being penalised.
Also, the Bulawayo City Council has been accusing residents of converting its sports clubs into havens of alcohol drinking sessions in violation of the local authority’s policies.
In 2016 council resolved to shut down Blue Turkey Sports Bar in Fourwinds following complaints of loud music.
