Holy racket puts the devil in residents

THE booming sounds emanating from an Easter gospel concert held at the Richards Bay sport ground last Sunday may have had enough resurrection power to wake up the dead, but not everybody viewed it as a joyous occasion.

Disgruntled Richards Bay residents say the loud music caused a serious disturbance and the frustrated homeowners are now fed up of dealing with the regular commotion in their residential area.

Once the spiritual upliftment reached a crescendo, there was no stopping the worshippers who rejoiced until 7am on Monday morning.

But residents were not in the seven times seventy forgiving frame of mind.

‘We live in Veldenvlei and it was horrendously loud. It was almost 24 hours of non-stop music. It is totally unacceptable and extremely inconsiderate to have these functions so close to residential areas,’ said Rachel Neethling.

According to the agreement between the uMhlathuze Municipality and the organisers, the Kufeziwe Gospel Concert was scheduled to commence at 6am until 4pm on Sunday.

But event coordinator Thokozani Mhlongo blamed a ‘typographical error’ on the document for what transpired.

‘According to my knowledge the event was suppose to begin at 6pm until 4am on Monday. It must have been typed wrong,’ he said.

Veldenvlei, Birdswood and Arboretum residents have proposed that all musical events be held at the ZCBF complex.

Birdswood homeowner Lindy Brett said she will start a Facebook petition proposing that musical events be banned from the area. She said strict rules must be implemented against organisers.

‘There are other shows being held there and people obey the time restrictions. Why was this allowed the whole day, night and into the morning hours.

‘Even though some of us were fortunate of having Monday off, some people worked and it was unfair that they were kept awake the whole night. They should also consider the people in the old age home and hospital nearby,’ she said.

Democratic Alliance Councillor Louis Fourie said he has received numerous complaints and will investigate the matter

‘I will write a letter to the municipality to find out what steps will be taken against the organisers,’ he said.