PETITION TO MOGALE CITY LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

The Litter & Noise Pollution (using Microphones) after Cut-off times which is between 10 pm - 6am during weekdays and 11 pm - 7 am during weekends from Religious Public Events/prayers/singing in Azaadville is a Concern for Residents.

To: The Honourable Mayor of Mogale City and the Honourable Councillors in the Local Municipality

The undersigned residents of Azaadville, Krugersdorp, respectfully petition the Mogale City Local Municipality to address the issue of litter & noise pollution between legal cut-off times from religious events/prayers/singing. 

Background:

We understand and respect the importance of religious freedom and the right to assemble for worship. However, we also believe that this right must be balanced with the right to peaceful enjoyment of our homes and neighbourhoods.

Concerns:
The residents, are concerned about the following:

1. Excessive noise levels between the stipulated legal cut off period.
2. ⁠Noise levels from religious public events in the Civic Hall often exceed the permissible limits causing disturbance to residents who need to rest and prepare for the next day.
3. ⁠Lack of noise management:
   Event organizers often fail to implement adequate noise management measures, such as soundproofing, noise barriers, or noise monitoring, to minimize noise pollution.
4. Impact on health and well-being: Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can lead to sleep deprivation, stress, and other health problems.
5. The resultant pollution that is left after these events leaves the civic centre and surrounding areas in a horrible condition which causes a health risk to residents. 

_Demands:_

The residents, respectfully demand that the Mogale City Local Municipality:

1. Enforce noise regulations between cut/off times. Ensure that religious leaders comply with the noise regulations and guidelines set by the municipality.
2. Implement noise management measures: Require event organizers to implement adequate noise management measures, such as soundproofing, noise barriers, or noise monitoring, to minimize noise pollution between the cut-off period.
3. Set a noise curfew: Establish a noise curfew of 11 pm for all public events, including religious events, held in the Civic Hall.
4. Conduct regular noise monitoring: Regularly monitor noise levels during events to ensure compliance with regulations and take enforcement action when necessary.
5. Engage with religious leaders: Engage with religious leaders and event organizers to educate them about the importance of noise management and the need to respect the rights of nearby residents.
6. Ensure that area is cleaned after events : ensure that the civic centre and surround parking area is cleaned of all litter.  

Conclusion:

The residents, believe that it is essential to strike a balance between the right to religious freedom and the right to peaceful enjoyment of our homes and neighbourhoods. We urge the Mogale City Local Municipality to take our concerns seriously and implement measures to mitigate noise pollution from religious public events/prayers/singing between the cut-off period as well as ensuring the cleaning of the litter trail left behind after such events  

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Cllr Sharon Govindasamy