NEMC shuts 90 bars over excessive noise in three cities

Dar es Salaam. The National Environment Management Council (Nemc) has suspended operation of 89 bars in the cities of Dar es Salaam, Mwanza and Dodoma as crackdown on noise pollution begun to bite.

The bars that have been found to play music above specified parameters now face tough conditions if they want to resume operations.

Some of the popular bars and other famous joints that were closed include Element, Havoc, Rain Ball, Liquid, Chako ni Chako, Soweto and Boardroom.

Nemc director general, Samuel Gwamaka said bar owners whose operations have been suspended will have to write to the council admitting to have broken the law regarding the control of noise pollution.

“They should also give a commitment that they are going to build sound proof infrastructures to control excessive noise that cause a nuisance to residents staying close to their bars,” he said.

Nemc wants the letters to be submitted within 30 days from the day the bars were closed, failure of which would lead to revocation of their operation licenses.

Dr Gwamaka said installation of noise control materials should be made after receiving professional advice from sound engineers and that commitment should be made to operate according to the requirements of respective licenses.

“Those who will fulfil these conditions will have the operational permits reinstated,” he said.

Owners of the closed bars will also have pay a Sh5 million penalty for breaking the law.

“Those whose bars have been closed for the first time will be expected to pay a Sh2 million fine,” he added.

Nemc announced last week it would mount a serious crackdown on noise pollution from May 1 following massive complaints of uncontrolled noise levels from across the country

The move follows directives from the Vice President’s Office (Union Affairs and Environment), for authorities to take action.

Dr Gwamaka said apart from bars, the crackdown will also target churches that have widely been accused of breaking noise level rules.

“Those that will be caught exceeding accepted parameters will face closure and penalties according to the law.

“Noise pollution is among the serious environmental and health hazards. However, it remains rampant in residential areas despite increasing awareness campaigns made by authorities, particularly Nemc,” he added.

Dr Gwamaka said the crackdown would soon be extended to Tanga, Morogoro, Coast and Arusha, regions, noting that the council has received a number of complaints from residents of the regions.

The owner of Liquid bar, Ms Lilian Gumbo asked Nemc to relax some conditions as most of them were tenants who incur huge operation costs.

“Nemc should relax some of these conditions including revising the sound considered to be undesirable. No customer will enjoy drinks in quiet environments,” she said.

Nemc manager for eastern and northern zone, Mr Arnold Mapinduzi, said cases of noise pollution increased by 65 percent in the 2021/22 fiscal year.