Write to: The Editor, Arusha Times, P.O. Box 212, Arusha. E-mail: arushatimes@habari.co.tz

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Do something about this noise pollution

There has been a considerable increase in the amount of noise being put out by various factions in Arusha.

I refer specifically to religious and commercial groups that are promoting their products by using loud speakers at a decibel level way over what is acceptable. Their noise can be heard two kilometres away. This is infringing our basic right to peace and quiet. Religious groups are particularly insensitive of whether or not we want to hear them. Their loud speakers are in the range of 4,000 watts. A small radio is 50 watts; a large CD speaker 400 watts.

Music played at decibels far above an acceptable level is becoming more and more common, whether it is from a bar or a mobile loud speaker unit. What one person will call music, another will call noise. Music belted out at high decibel levels is unnecessary, inconsiderate and thoughtless. For those that would like to have peace and quiet, whether it is in prayer, in sickness, or in listening to their own type of music, high levels of noise can be very disturbing.

With the elections looming in 2005, we are probably going to be subjected to a constant barrage of political party doctrine. I trust that there will be no disturbances of the peace by the unlimited use of enormous loud speakers blaring out enormous amounts of political nonsense at enormous decibel levels.

I trust that the munispaa will be sensible and sensitive enough to do something about unnecessary-high noise levels.

Glyn Lewis

P.O. Box 207

Arusha

 

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