Council to crack down on loud music at Chigumira shops after residents outcry
Michelle Moyo
The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has responded to growing complaints over blaring music and late-night parties at Chigumira Shopping Centre in Luveve, saying it will address the concerns and ensure businesses comply with the conditions of their operating permits.
Chigumira Shopping Centre has served as a commercial centre for residents of Luveve, with several businesses operating from the premises. Some of the outlets have been granted development permits to operate as sports bars and licensed restaurants.
However, residents living near the shopping centre have raised concerns about noise from some of the businesses, particularly during the evening and late-night hours. They say loud music and activity from patrons have affected the surrounding residential area.
The complaints have prompted residents to petition the local authority over noise levels and the operation of entertainment businesses at the centre.
In response, the Director of Town Planning acknowledged receipt of the petition and indicated that the council would address the matter in accordance with the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 29:12, as well as the conditions stipulated in development permits issued to businesses at the centre.
“Please be advised that Council has taken note of your concerns regarding excessive and loud music emanating from Chigumira Shopping Centre. We will attend to these concerns in terms of the provisions of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 29:12, and in line with the conditions attached to the respective development permits issued,” the council stated.
According to the local authority, several businesses at the shopping centre were granted development permits to operate as sports bars and licensed restaurants.
The council noted that such permits are subject to specific operational conditions, among them a prohibition against noise pollution.
“The condition relating to noise pollution expressly provides that no noise nuisance or nuisance of any kind shall arise from the operation of these businesses, be it a Sports Bar or a Licensed Restaurant Special,” the council emphasised.
The local authority further explained that it would maintain surveillance of operations at the shopping centre to ensure adherence to statutory requirements and permit conditions.
“Council will continue to monitor business operations within the shopping centre to ensure compliance with the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 29:12,” it added.
The council’s response follows complaints from residents regarding late-night noise generated by entertainment businesses at the centre, which they said was disrupting sleep and compromising their quality of life.
Residents have urged the council to intervene and enforce the regulations governing commercial operations in the area.
However, the council’s communication does not confirm whether any punitive measures have been instituted against the businesses. It merely reaffirms the local authority’s commitment to monitor operations and evaluate compliance with permit conditions.
The exchange occurs against a broader backdrop of concern over the siting of entertainment establishments within residential areas, particularly where their activities extend into late-night hours and impact surrounding communities.
