News / Religion
Churches face fines for noise pollution
3 hrs ago |
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Churches, wedding organisers, and businesses in Masvingo and Plumtree are now subject to strict noise-control regulations, with offenders facing hefty fines, permit suspensions, and even confiscation of equipment.
The new by-laws, published in the latest Government Gazette, outlaw any noise deemed disruptive to residents—including loud music, drumming, shouting, and persistent disturbances caused by animals such as dogs or roosters.
In Masvingo, the regulations were gazetted under Statutory Instrument 99 of 2025. They empower the local council to regulate community events and penalise those who breach public peace.
"No person in the council area shall emit noise in excess of the emission standards prescribed in terms of Section 798 of the Environmental Management Act," the by-laws state.
Churches and event organisers using loud sound systems must now apply for temporary noise permits. Applications must include event details, location, sound source, duration, and a prescribed fee. Violators risk having their equipment impounded and auctioned if unclaimed within three months.
Offenders in Masvingo face fines of US$20 per hour for excessive noise, while obstructing enforcement officers could attract a US$100 penalty. Permit holders who breach conditions may have their permits suspended for up to a year.
Plumtree Town Council has enacted similar regulations, imposing daily fines of US$10 for noise offences. Businesses outside industrial zones are barred from operating noisy machinery on Sundays, public holidays, or outside the hours of 7am to 6pm - except in emergencies.
Like Masvingo, Plumtree allows temporary noise permits for weddings, parties, and promotional events, with strict application requirements. The by-laws also prohibit residents from keeping animals or birds whose repeated noise disturbs the community.
The crackdown signals a tougher stance by local authorities on noise pollution, placing churches, event organisers, and businesses under pressure to comply or face costly consequences.
The new by-laws, published in the latest Government Gazette, outlaw any noise deemed disruptive to residents—including loud music, drumming, shouting, and persistent disturbances caused by animals such as dogs or roosters.
In Masvingo, the regulations were gazetted under Statutory Instrument 99 of 2025. They empower the local council to regulate community events and penalise those who breach public peace.
"No person in the council area shall emit noise in excess of the emission standards prescribed in terms of Section 798 of the Environmental Management Act," the by-laws state.
Churches and event organisers using loud sound systems must now apply for temporary noise permits. Applications must include event details, location, sound source, duration, and a prescribed fee. Violators risk having their equipment impounded and auctioned if unclaimed within three months.
Offenders in Masvingo face fines of US$20 per hour for excessive noise, while obstructing enforcement officers could attract a US$100 penalty. Permit holders who breach conditions may have their permits suspended for up to a year.
Plumtree Town Council has enacted similar regulations, imposing daily fines of US$10 for noise offences. Businesses outside industrial zones are barred from operating noisy machinery on Sundays, public holidays, or outside the hours of 7am to 6pm - except in emergencies.
Like Masvingo, Plumtree allows temporary noise permits for weddings, parties, and promotional events, with strict application requirements. The by-laws also prohibit residents from keeping animals or birds whose repeated noise disturbs the community.
The crackdown signals a tougher stance by local authorities on noise pollution, placing churches, event organisers, and businesses under pressure to comply or face costly consequences.
Source - online
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