Nemc reminds citizens of law against noise pollution

Dar es Salaam. The National Environment Management Council (Nemc) has issued a warning against anyone planning to conduct a public event likely to cause noise pollution to first seek relevant permits to avoid legal measures including fines.

Moreover, the Council further urged the public to adhere to environmental laws and regulations by ensuring the permits given were utilised accordingly and that no one would be disturbed.

Nemc director general Bonaventura Baya said this during a press conference in Dar es Salaam that the Council has been receiving complaints from the public concerning noise pollution.

He said among those causing noise pollution included factories, bars, churches, entertainment halls and even vehicles.

He said noise pollution could cause hypertension, stress, hearing loss or even sleep disturbance to human beings.

“With this in mind it should be known that whoever disobeys this law will face the consequences, “he said.

Mr Baya explained that noise pollution also had other negative effects including interfering with organ production, navigation systems and could even lead to extinction of the endangered species.

According to him, the environment law specifies penalties for the offense including fines ranging from Sh50,000 to Sh50 million.

Mr Baya said that generally the public needed to avoid causing noises and vibration that might disturb the privacy of others and follow the principles and standards as set.

He said that it has come to the attention of Nemc that the public was not aware of the type of noise pollution banned by the government.

“Some plants and houses do not have necessary equipment to filter noise according to the law but despite that they were not exempted from the law raking its course,” he said.