What to do when your neighbours are too loud
FOURWAYS – No one wants their peace disturbed, so here's some handy information about noise violations and complaints.
We all enjoy peace and quiet, but what happens if the noise in your neighbourhood gets too much?
Last week the Fourways Review brought you the story of Reinhard Korb, a Fourways resident who had been plagued by a siren alarm from a neighbouring school for two years, Alarm proves to be a noisy problem [Week ending 7 February]. But what should you do if you encounter a noisy neighbour?
Here’s a quick guide to what you need to know about noise complaints in the City of Joburg:
• What does the law say?
Noise complaints regulation are discussed in the Environment Conservation Act no. 73 of 1989 in both sections 8 and 9, which explain what noises are not allowed (such as noisy machinery, the loud broadcast of televisions or other media or the use by vendors of bells or shouting to attract customers) and also specifies the fines of those found guilty of violations.
• What to do when you hear the noise
Sbusiso Mthembu, the councillor for Ward 96, said he has often experienced residents in his ward making noise complaints, particularly in the areas of Chartwell, Farmall, Cedar Creek and Cedar Lakes. “[Residents from] all four suburbs constantly complain about the noise coming primarily from the Msawawa informal settlement,” he said.
“The noise complaints [in that area] mainly are as a result of illegal shebeens [taverns] operating in the area.”
Mthembu recommended to any residents experiencing loud noises in their area to contact the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, which handles by-law infringement, on 011 375 5911 to report the matter.
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• Taking it further
As Korb has decided to do, Joburg residents are also able to report noise complaints to the City.
Although who you would report to does depend on which area you live in. Korb was advised that he could make his report to the Environmental Health Section of the Department of Environmental Health: Pollution control. The complainant must submit an affidavit (a sworn statement) which identifies the individual making the statement, affirm where he or she resides and state where and when the incident happened with details.
The department is then able to serve a statutory notice on the registered owner and/or tenant who allegedly caused a noise nuisance on the property. If the nuisance persists after that, the complainant can submit a second affidavit so further action can be taken.
For more details, visit www.joburg.org.za
