EMPD vows to monitor noise at Alberton Lifestyle Centre

The residents of New Redruth, near the Alberton Lifestyle Centre, have raised concerns about the many men who stand near the establishment and make a lot of noise throughout the day.

The complainants have logged at least four complaints about the noise levels that rise there as soon as the men arrive.

The men arrive at 06:45 and leave at 19:00.

According to affected residents Francois and Debbie Celliers, in addition to their loud behaviour, these men gamble, drink, litter, and urinate in public spaces all day. They leave their trash on the ground and leave it for them to clean up at the end of the day.

“After consuming alcohol, they become incredibly noisy and occasionally even violent. Some travel by cab, while others arrive and depart in their own cars. These cars are always parked in our driveway, making it impossible for us to go on or off the property. Then the music is turned up to its highest volume, and these cars are parked on the sidewalk in front of our building,” Debbie said.

She added that when they approach the men and urge them to move over or quiet down, they become aggressive, threaten them, and use foul language.

Upon communicating with the CoE’s EMPD department, it was put to Alberton Record that the department has tried multiple times to move the men from the spot.

“Although they were told to evacuate and not to come back, they only temporarily departed before returning. Even though the individuals were at the entry once more and were subsequently removed, a follow-up complaint was made in the first week of December, and the law enforcement officials removed the individuals,” said Rhodah Ntabanyana from the EMPD.

The Alberton Record visited the spot several times and found the men complained about in the area.
The Record spoke to one of them, and he asked to remain anonymous.

He said that all they are trying to do is find a legal way to make money to bring food to the table for their families. They do various jobs like plumbing, gardener, handyman, and others.

“Most of the time, when the residents hear noise from us, it is when someone wants to offer one of us a job, and we all run to their car to get the job,” Anonymous said.

“This is an ongoing problem, and follow-ups will be conducted monthly,” Ntabanyana vowed.