Noise pollution

KRISTIN MARITZ WRITES:

This weekend the Windhoek Jazz Festival took place, but what was described as “Jazz legends and local talent thrill Windhoek audience” would not be shared by the residents of Olympia and Suiderhof. The noise was extremely loud even roughly two kilometres away, and it sounded like a neighbour testing a powerful sound system at full volume. This continued until approximately 03:00 on Sunday.

Repeated calls to the City Police had no effect. Reported responses from officers included statements such as “this is an event hosted by the City of Windhoek, we cannot interfere, it is a conflict of interest” and “you people are harassing us”.

The City recently issued a public notice urging residents to reduce noise pollution. Allowing an event to continue at this volume until the early hours creates the impression that the City’s own rules do not apply when they are the organiser.

We have ageing pipes bursting and spilling precious fresh water, potholes throughout the city, and residents who are increasingly frustrated with service delivery. Yet the City chose to spend significant public funds on a festival that disturbed surrounding neighbourhoods well into the night.

H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah requested the public to report corruption and unfair practices. I am therefore reporting this matter, as it appears to fall within that definition.

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