Respect thy neighbour
Charismatic churches in Windsor annoy residents with their loud music during church services.
Windsor residents living nearby Charismatic churches can no longer handle the loud noise which emanates from these institutions on a regular basis.
According to Ward 98 councillor Laurette van Zijl, church services begin at 5pm and can continue until the early hours of morning. They use extremely large speakers, she said, set to the highest volume in a small room.
“We cannot put up with their noise any longer. These people go on for more than four hours each day.” said resident Naresh Haire.
Haire has sent a letter to other residents to petition against the church near his house, but only a few people have supported him on this as many people have avoided the problem because of religious reasons.
“I have considered taking legal action against the church. When I reported the noise to the Linden police they said that the school which hosts the church service has an agreement with the church, and they as the police cannot go against it.”
A caretaker at the Christ Embassy Church on Dukes Avenue, who refused to disclose his name, said they have not heard of any complaints, and that their speakers have moderate noise level. He suggests people come directly to the church should they have a problem with the noise.
The pastor from the Universal Church Kingdom of God on the corner of Knights Avenue and Beatrice Street rudely refused to give his name or contact details and stated that, “We have heard complaints about the noise level, but not directly. We do try to keep the noise level of the speakers down.”
In response, Linden Police Station spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mulamu advised people to log a call in order for the police to investigate. In order for action to be carried out, she strongly suggested residents sign a petition and obtain a case number from the police.
Metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said, “Unfortunately there are no by-laws on noise control, this is because no noise should be loud enough to disturb others. Reported cases such as these are handed over to the Environmental Health Department which will then evaluate the noise level.”
Details: Ward 98 Councillor Laurette van Zijl 082 350 0593, Crime Stop 10111.
