Blantyre City Council satisfied with reduced noise pollution after ban of  Zinkhoswe, bridal shower ceremonies in residential areas

Blantyre City Council (BCC) says it is satisfied with how Blantyre residents have complied with the ban restraining them from holding weddings, engagement parties and bridal shower ceremonies in residential areas.

BCC Public Relations Officer (PRO), Anthony Kasunda said the idea behind the ban was not to restrict residents from holding such events but rather to reduce noise pollution.

“The idea is not to stop the holding of events but rather the playing of loud music. There is a general acceptance to respect the law. The Council is of the view that most of events and garden owners have complied with the notice to stop noise pollution in residential areas,” he explained.

Kasunda said the council is aware that some residents are not cooperating and that the law would be applied accordingly.

“It is the law that every citizen has to abide to. The Council has enforcement mechanisms but we do not expect resistance from residents,” the BCC publicist said.

According to Kasunda, anyone found not complying with the law would have their equipment confiscated.

“People should know that this is not a council by-law but an Act of Parliament and as a council, what we will do is to confiscate the music equipment,” he said

In 2015 BCC issued a statement to its residents banning them from holding weddings, engagement parties and bridal shower ceremonies in residential areas as one way of curbing noise pollution in the city following a complaint by some residents.

The ban was temporary suspended after other residents obtained an injunction stopping BCC from enforcing the order which was later lifted in 2016 giving BCC the mandate to stop people from conducting ceremonies like weddings, engagements and bridal showers in residential areas.

Despite BCC being content with the current situation, noise pollution continues to make rounds across residential areas in Blantyre especially in townships such as Chilomoni, Ndirande and Mbayani just to mention a few.

Moreover, event planners also continue to conduct their operation in a business as usual approach in residential areas with loud music being played.