The National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) warned yesterday that uncontrolled sounds and blares are unlawful and are categorized as noise pollution under the environmental Act 2004.
Speaking journalists at the end of one- day seminar on noise pollution held in Dar es Salaam and organized by NEMC, NEMC director general, Dr. Samuel Gwamaka, said the seminar was called to educate bar and entertainment hall owner on what is regarded as noise pollution under the law
The meeting sought to explain to the participants that noise pollution is unlawful under the regulations made under sections 147 and 148 of the Environmental Management Act 2004, “he explained. The seminar was attended by government functionaries and drew participants from the National Arts Council, owner of bars and entertainment hall and other environment stakeholders.
Dr Gwamaka said participants were informed that the law defines lawful levels of noise or sounds and blares adding that regulations made under the EMA 2004 seek to ensure the environment remains good and safe. They also seek to control noise pollution and quivering or tremor or vibrations. Dr Gwamaka also said that NEMC’s survey revealed that noise- producing activities are found in residential areas primarily because residences were established without following requirements of the laws governing urban development.
He said seminar was also informed that under the law activities that unleash noise have to be done in registered locations and in noise-proof premises
Dr Gwamaka said NEMC will send experts to all parts of Tanzania who will teach people how to use gear that determines levels of noise and also teach people on negative effects of excessive noise on people and environment.
NEMC Law Compliance Director, Dr Ruth Rugwisha said big impact and adverse effects of noise pollution and undesirable trembles were not immediately felt by victims or were bit instantly seen on environment. She named the effects as including loss of hearing ability, birth complications and high Blood Pressure (BP)
SOURCE BY : GUARDIAN ONLINE NEWSPAPER