APA – Kigali (Rwanda) – Rwanda’s ministry of Environment , has released comprehensive guidelines outlining the prevention and control measures of noise pollution for different locations and times of the day.
Local media quoted the Rwandan minister of Environment, Dr Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya as saying that the new regulations establish clear decibel thresholds for public spaces, churches, hospitals, schools, and other areas.
“The guidelines were developed in response to the growing concern about noise pollution and its impact on the lives of Rwandan residents,” the senior Rwandan government official said.
According to the new guidelines, in residential areas, the sound level should not exceed 55 dB during daytime and 45 dB during nighttime. In commercial areas, the sound level should not exceed 65 dB during daytime and 55 dB during nighttime.
In industrial areas, the sound level should not exceed 75 dB during daytime and 70 dB during nighttime.
In quiet zones, which include areas near health facilities, schools, libraries, court houses, and public offices, the sound level should not exceed 50 dB during daytime and 40 dB during nighttime.
“Quiet zones must be identified and marked with signs in collaboration with relevant authorities,” states the documents signed by Minister Mujawamariya. “No advertisement using loudspeakers, vehicle horns, or any other noise is allowed in a quiet zone.”
Religious buildings, entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants may have sound levels ranging from 88 dB to 91 dB.
As part of the move to address the issue of noise pollution, Rwanda has established since November last year 13 sensors across the capital city Kigali.
It is expected that all data collected will be utilized to improve understanding of sources and distribution of environmental stressors across the City of Kigali.
CU/abj/APA