JB Marks must enforce noise pollution by-laws

Issued by Cllr Hans-Jurie Moolman – DA Councillor: JB Marks Local Municipality
31 May 2023 in Press Statements

Note to Broadcasters: Please find linked soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Cllr Hans-Jurie Moolman.

The DA in the JB Marks Local Municipality welcomes the directive through Council by Speaker Cllr Messo Dassi that the Directorate for Municipal Facilities and Public Safety to prepare and present a report on how they will enforce municipal by-laws through the established municipal court.

The DA has consistently raised concerns over the poor enforcement of municipal by-laws, specifically the continued noise pollution by-law in residential areas, in close proximity to hospitals and old age homes.

Residents have expressed their frustration without any recourse, and we are encouraged that things are moving in the right direction.

The DA also submitted formal written questions to the Acting Municipal Manager Sandile Tyatya and the Executive Mayor Gaba Thithiba Ka Qhele pertaining to law enforcement around cultural and other events in the city where the rights of residents are adversely affected by noise pollution beyond reasonable hours.

It has been confirmed that there is no public participation with residents before permits are issued for events. Residents should have the opportunity to be informed in advance of any planned events and the terms and conditions of the permits issued, specifically the type of event, possible noise levels, the hours permitted, the closure of roads and/or the temporary redirection of traffic and public safety services.

The JB Marks Local Municipality is in process of drafting its own noise pollution by-law which would improve law enforcement. The DA reiterated our proposal that the existing noise pollution by-law of the Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality should be applied in the interim and that it should be consistently applied to all events throughout the municipality.

The DA welcomes the increased cultural and festive activities throughout the municipality. This is a helpful boost to our local economy, but these events must be coordinated and planned in such a manner to limit distress to residents though fair and equitable law-enforcement and the issuing of permits.