Health department to investigate noise complaints

A MEETING between various stakeholders, including the health department, Metro Police, SAPS, Moses Mabhida Stadium officials and Cuba Lounge took place last week to  address the noise complaints brought forward by Brian Daish, chairman of the sub-forum 4 of the CPF. He added he was acting on behalf of residents who contacted him about the noise levels.

Last night residents in uMgeni Park were again  kept awake by blaring music. Daish said he received an email from the city’s health department who agreed to carry out a noise assessment to determine the extent of the complaints at one of the establishments.

Another point of contention is most residents concur that concerts should cease playing excessively loud music after 12.

According to Durban North councillor, Shaun Ryley, Metro Police have to respond to noise complaints.

“It does not matter what time of day loud music is played, if it is a nuisance to residents, Metro Police are mandated to act in terms of the Nuisance by-law. Police must act to put a stop to it. In order for an amicable solution to be reached, entertainment establishments need to take responsibility when it comes to playing loud music,” Ryley said.

“We are all accepting of major events benefiting the City’s economy, no one is disputing that, however it’s the music being played till all hours of the next morning that is the issue. I’ve suggested that Metro Police be equipped with decibel metres to measure just how loud the sound is, but the idea was mooted at a council meeting,” he said