Chigumira shopping centre noise irks residents

Residents of Luveve 4, Enqameni, have petitioned the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) over excessive noise and loud music from Chigumira Shopping Centre, saying the disturbances are affecting their sleep, children's studies and general wellbeing.

In a petition signed by 93 residents and dated August 17, the residents called on the Town Clerk to urgently intervene, saying disco and entertainment music from the shopping centre frequently continues into the early hours of the morning.

"We, the undersigned residents of Luveve 4, Enqameni, Bulawayo, respectfully submit this petition to the Bulawayo City Council seeking urgent intervention regarding excessive noise and loud music emanating from the shopping centre within our neighbourhood," the residents said.

They said the noise had become a serious disturbance and was adversely affecting the peace, quiet and quality of life in the community.

According to the residents, the music often continues beyond 8pm and, on some occasions, into the early hours of the morning.

They said the disturbances were disrupting normal sleeping patterns and making it difficult for children and school-going learners to study, rest and sleep adequately.

The residents also raised concerns about elderly people, vulnerable members of the community and those who have to wake up early for work and other daily responsibilities.

They cited stress, irritation and declining wellbeing among the effects of the disturbance, while expressing concern over possible health consequences associated with prolonged exposure to excessive noise.

The residents have asked the council to investigate whether operators at Chigumira Shopping Centre and entertainment establishments operating from the premises are complying with applicable by-laws, licences, permits and operating conditions.

They also want an official inspection and, where appropriate, a noise-level assessment to be conducted, particularly during the hours when residents are most affected.

The petition further calls for an investigation into whether businesses at the shopping centre have the necessary licences and approvals to conduct entertainment activities involving amplified music.

The residents want the council to enforce applicable by-laws relating to excessive noise, public nuisance and night-time entertainment.

Businesses found responsible for excessive noise should be ordered to reduce music volumes to "lawful and reasonable levels" and comply with their operating conditions, they said.

However, the residents stressed that they were not opposed to businesses operating in their community or to lawful entertainment activities.

"We wish to make it clear that we are not opposed to businesses operating in our community or to lawful entertainment activities. We recognise the importance of businesses and shopping centres to the local economy and to the provision of services to residents," they said.

They said commercial activities should be conducted in a manner that respects the rights, health, safety, peace and wellbeing of surrounding residents.

"The right of a business to operate and provide entertainment should not result in residents being deprived of sleep and peaceful enjoyment of their homes throughout the night," the residents said.

They called on the council to strike a balance between commercial activities and the interests of surrounding residents, while engaging them on the outcome of its investigations.

The residents also want appropriate enforcement action to be taken where necessary and measures introduced to prevent the noise problem from recurring.

"This petition is submitted because the situation has become intolerable for many residents. We respectfully request that the Council treats this matter as urgent and takes practical steps to resolve it without further delay," they said.

They requested a written response confirming receipt of the petition and outlining the action the council intends to take.

The residents said they were willing to provide further information, including dates, times and specific incidents of excessive noise, and to cooperate with any investigation.

The petition was copied to the Member in Charge at ZRP Luveve Station and the Ward 16 councillor.

Ward 16 covers New Luveve, Gwabalanda, Enqameni, Luveve North and Old Luveve.