Rwanda National Police (RNP) has renewed the call against noise pollution, which affects the health, beliefs and well-being of other people.
Owners and managers of hospitality establishments are reminded to follow the set guidelines not to violate the rights of other people.
The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said that although many businesses and faith-based establishments have implemented the guidelines, there are those that continue to cause sound disturbance raising concerns from the affected neighborhood communities.
“Hotels, bars, night clubs or entertainment facilities, churches, music shows and home events should not in any way cause sound pollution. Sound should be regulated in accordance with the guidelines not to affect the peace, beliefs and wellbeing of other people in the neighborhood” ACP Rutikanga said.
Enjoying, exercising your rights and faith, he added, should be done without violating the rights of other residents with harmful sound.
What the law says
Article 43 of the law on environment, stipulates that acts which cause emission of harmful noise or which are detrimental to human health are prohibited.
It adds that “any noise emission must comply with standard regulations set by competent authority.”
Article 267 of law determining offenses and penalties in general, any person, who unjustly or without an authorization, makes noise likely to disturb public, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to a fine of not less than Frw500,000 and not more than Frw 1 million.
In case of recidivism, the penalties is imprisonment for a term of not less than eight (8) days and not more than one (1) month and a fine of more than Frw 1 million and not more than Frw 2 million two million or only one of the penalties. (End)