Deafening dilemma: Tanzania’s uphill struggle against noise pollution

A survey conducted in Dar es Salaam reveals that a majority of residents are frequently exposed to noise pollution originating from markets, bus terminals, unregulated entertainment venues, religious gatherings, home entertainment systems, and industrial zones.

Walking through some big markets like Ilala, Karume, Mbagala Buguruni and Tandika and major bus terminals such as Mbezi Mwisho becomes a challenge as the sites are the major spots for noise pollution.

“I normally avoid using my phone because you can never hear someone on the phone due to the noises around here,” says Kimara resident Halima Juma, who was found at Mbezi Bus Terminal.

In such areas, petty traders use loudspeakers to get the attention of potential buyers.

A businessman at the Mbezi commuter bus stand, Mr Joram Shirima, agrees that the way they market their business creates noise pollution, but still everyone needs to get clients.

The dealer of phone accessories says his business requires significant effort because more people in the area are selling similar items.

“I have recorded a voice of what I have at my stand. I play it on a daily basis. Since I am not alone with the voice record, which makes this place a very noisy place. I have no idea how to advertise my business, but using the voice record,” said Mr Shirima.

Entertainment venues, such as bars, are another source of significant noise pollution, with many playing unregulated music despite regulations mandating noise control.

Enforcement challenges

Acceptable noise levels are determined using noise level meters based on the land-use zoning system established under the Environmental Management (Standards for Control of Noise and Vibration Pollution) Regulations, 2015, in line with the Urban Planning (Use Groups and Use Classes) Regulations, 2018, according to the National Environmental Management Council (Nemc).

Noise is measured using a noise level meter, also known as a sound level meter—a specialised device that measures sound pressure levels in decibels (dB).

“While the regulations have been instrumental in addressing noise pollution, challenges such as inadequate resources for enforcement, lack of public awareness, and rapid urbanisation hinder their full effectiveness,” Nemc senior laboratory science officer Dionis Lyakurwa told The Citizen.

“The latter is exacerbated by unplanned development, which often results in the placement of noise-polluting facilities within residential areas without consideration of the legal requirements,” he said.

According to him, significant challenges arise from conflicting legislations, where entertainment permits are issued by the arts council (Basata) through its representatives (commonly referred to as Afisa Utamaduni) within each local government authority.

“These permits are often granted without specific conditions for compliance with the standard limits outlined in the Environmental Management (Standards for Control of Noise and Vibration Pollution) Regulations, 2015. This lack of alignment creates enforcement difficulties for Nemc in executing its mandates, as the permits are issued under local government regulatory authorities, hindering effective implementation of noise and vibration control standards,” he added.

However, he said, the government through Nemc has put in place ongoing efforts to harmonise the policies, strengthen enforcement and increase community participation to ensure the situation is improving.

Health concerns

The Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) psychiatrist, Dr Said Kuganda, said noise pollution has health impacts on human health and can cause death in case a noise is thunderous.

He said noise pollution, if not well managed, can result in stress, anxiety, and depression and not being able to make the right decision on things affecting a specific person who has been exposed to noise for a long period of time.

“In such areas with noise pollution, it is expected to see people get into physical fights as they are not able to find the right way to solve their problems without anger issues,” said Dr Kuganda, adding that it is important for people working in such areas to take care of their mental health too.

He said treating patients who have been exposed to noise pollution is expensive, as the treatments take three to six months depending on the level of the diseases.

He said the consultation fee for such cases reaches Sh60,000 per person, followed by regular visits in which a patient is required to pay Sh45,000 each. Such a fee does not include medication and needed tests.

According to him, noise pollution also affects the quality of sleep, and this can result in some body changes, followed by diseases like anxiety and depression.

Alfred Mugasha—a patient who preferred anonymity—said he has been being treated at the MNH for more than three months now. He was diagnosed with ear problems after working in a noisy factory for a long time.

According to him, he is now on unpaid leave as he is advised not to continue working at such environment.

A businesswoman at Tandika market identified herself as Amina Said, selling secondhand clothes, said recorded adverts create noises but also create a lot of customers as it tells them what they have.

However, she is not aware of the negative impact of the noise pollution on her health.

Her sleep quality has never been the same for the past four years now since she started that business, but she claims to be good.

“This is my job and I feel normal,” she said.

The MNH’s ear expert, Dr Saddam Issa, said per day the Ear, Nose and Throat department sees up to 100 outpatients, and about 25 percent of them are those with ear challenges.

Citing the World Health Organisation (WHO), he said it is expected that about 700 million people will have hearing problems by 2025, and most of them are youths between the ages of 25 and 35.

He said being exposed to noise pollution for a long time can result in too many ear challenges. In 2015 a study was conducted in a certain tailoring industry, and 58.5 percent of staff were recognised with ear problems, he said.

“It is important to control the noise in such areas, as it is not possible for everyone to wear gadgets to block the noise. People need to also communicate in such areas for other activities to be successful,” he said.

The government has taken steps to monitor and control noise pollution in public places through the enactment and the enforcement of the Environmental Management (Standards for Control of Noise and Vibration Pollution) Regulations, 2015, established under the Environmental Management Act, 2004.

The National Environmental Policy of 2021 also recognises noise pollution as one of the widespread and growing challenges in the country and has significant deleterious effects, posing a threat to the environment and human health.

The policy has emphasised strengthening national capacity in urban planning and control of noise pollution.