Thank you, Lt Koma, the Acting Station Commander of the SAPS in Springs.
Could you please explain what exactly does “The issue of noise and closing time of liquor outlets is refer to flash/department that deal liquor outlets for their attention” as stated in your own words (Advertiser, September 26) mean?
Try simple, plain English (that makes sense) and please explain to us exactly what it is you have done about this complaint. Who did you contact, who did you speak to and what is the reference number?
Why does the SAPS and metro police not enforce the by-laws and the National Environmental Act relating to this problem?
Just in case the SAPS and the metro police are unfamiliar with this act, here follows an extract;
Noise Control Regulations Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act 73 of 1989), PN 24 of 1998 (PG 35 of 24 April 1998), published under PN24 of 1998 (PG 35 of 24 April 1998).
5. Prohibition of noise nuisance – “noise nuisance” means any sound which disturbs or impairs or may disturb or impair the convenience or peace of any person;
No person shall-
(a) operate or play, or allow to be operated or played, a radio, television set, drums, musical instrument, sound amplifier, loudspeaker system or similar device producing, reproducing or amplifying sound so as to cause a noise nuisance;
(b) offer any article for sale by shouting, ringing a bell or making other sounds or by allowing shouting, the ringing of a bell or the making of other sounds in a manner which may cause a noise nuisance;
(iii) as the owner or person in control of the piece of land, water or airspace, allow such activity to take place; if this may cause a noise nuisance;
4. Prohibition of disturbing noise – no person shall make, produce or cause a disturbing noise, or allow it to be made, produced or caused by any person, animal, machine, device or apparatus or any combination thereof.
“Disturbing noise” means a noise level that exceeds the ambient sound level measured continuously at the same measuring point by 5 [sic] dBA or more.
2. Powers of a local authority
A local authority may:
(a) for the purposes of applying these regulations, at any reasonable time enter a premises without prior notice-
(i) to conduct thereon any appropriate examination, enquiry or inspection as it may deem expedient; and
(ii) to take any steps it may deem necessary;
Your local college (SAPS or metro police) should be able to assist you, should you want to read the Act in full.
Why is it Lt Koma, that the local authority, SAPS and metro police refuse to do anything about this problem? Is it because somebody in the council, the metro police or the SAPS has a hand in this so-called business?
By the way, it is now 3:10am on Friday, September 27 and I am writing this letter because I cannot sleep as a result of the noise coming from the place in question.
I am a hard working, tax-paying citizen of this country who actually contributes meaningfully to the economy and society. And I have to go to work in three hours from now and be alert all day. I cannot sit and sleep in parliament, or my patrol car for that matter.
Apart from the Noise Pollution factor, have you seen the state that the premises are in? The specific ‘club’ section where the noise comes from has about 80% of its windows broken and covered with hardboard ads and other makeshift devices.
The building is a disgusting eyesore, it should not be called a ‘Hotel’ in Springs.
Do they realise that sleep deprivation is a health hazard? Do they realise that it can drive you completely insane?
When this matter was referred to his Honourable Captain Johannes Ramphora in February this year by the Springs Advertiser, he did not even bother to respond.
I rest my case and pray for deliverance.
Jacques Pelser
* Letter shortened
