03 Apr 2022

Gaborone City Council (GCC) has charged no one for noise pollution so far since the implementation of Noise and Nuisance Control Bye Law.
In an interview with senior public relations officer for GCC, Mr Isaiah Morewagae, he stated that, many minibus drivers had been warned for violating the bye law, adding that there had been an improvement since engaging their association.

He stated that a total of 254 noise permits had been issued to individuals, companies and music promoters. He clarified that GCC started implementing the Noise Nuisance Control Bye Laws, on October 01, 2021 after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

He said between October 01, 2021 and March 30, 2022, there has been an improvement with regards to compliance.

Mr Morewagae advised the public to seek permission from council whenever they wanted to operate a sound systems or other activities that produced noise or any form of disturbance to others.
He said such included continuous use of vehicle horns, use of siren on private vehicle or their visitor’s vehicle parked at one’s premises which annoys neighbours. He said the noise permit covered residential places and other public places.

He pointed out that the non-refundable permit fees were P100 for residential properties and P500 per day for non-residential areas.

He said the intention was to control noise pollution, so as to have safe and secure environment for all, inclusive of the sick, students and the general public, adding that the bye laws help to achieve a healthy environment for all.  Mr Morewagae therefore appealed to the public to comply with the bye laws as failure would render one liable to a fine, imprisonment or both and have polluting items confiscated, be it musical instrument, or vehicle. ENDS