Ish Prahladh, chairperson of the eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association welcomes the eThekwini Municipality's plan to regulate noise in neighbourhoods.
Image: Chumani Mazwi
Ratepayers have welcomed plans by the eThekwini Municipality to introduce a new noise control by-law, saying excessive noise from illegal businesses, open-air events and late-night activities has become a growing concern in several suburbs.
Ish Prahladh, chairperson of the eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association (ERRA), said residents had raised concerns on social media and with police about excessive noise and public disturbances in some areas.
He welcomed the public consultation and encouraged residents to participate.
He said suburbs contend with illegal businesses, including trucking companies, industrial operations, and shebeens.
“I think it is a very good idea to control noise levels. We are getting a lot of interruptions and high noise levels from public spaces, open-air events, and most of all, illegal drag racing on certain roads at night,” he said.
The municipality’s Noise Control and Management By-Law 2024 is set to undergo a public participation process as the city moves to develop legislation aimed at regulating noise across the metro.
According to a recent report tabled before council, the municipality said there was a need to develop updated legislation to manage noise effectively within its jurisdiction. The city is currently administering by-laws covering matters including noise control and noise management.
The draft by-law proposes to regulate noise from several sources, including public entertainment venues, vehicles exceeding prescribed noise standards, open-air events, residential sources — excluding ordinary human activity — and industrial operations.
It also outlines enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations.
“In line with statutory requirements, the draft by-law will be subjected to a public participation process to solicit the views of the community. This process will enable the municipality to adopt an inclusive by-law after stakeholders have made their representations, ensuring it aligns with the legislative framework and community expectations,” the municipal report stated.
During the consultation period, the municipality will also host workshops to unpack the key elements of the proposed legislation. Officials say this will help ensure the adoption of a balanced by-law that addresses the needs of both the municipality and residents.
Councillors have authorised the Director of Environmental Health Services to begin the public participation process for the draft by-law, which will run for at least 30 days. The process will allow the public to make submissions before the city considers adopting the final by-law.