Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
PROLONGED exposure to loud music and public address systems poses serious health risks, health experts have warned, amid a growing trend by shop owners placing radios and loud speakers outside their premises to attract customers.
This comes shortly after City of Mutare issued a stern warning to shop owners in the Central Business District (CBD), placing the devices outside their premises with loud music to lure clients.
The practice amounts to noise pollution and poses serious health risks to the members of the public.
In recent weeks, the CBD has been characterised by blaring music and loud announcements from shops and retail outlets, with some businesses playing music at maximum volume or repeatedly advertising their goods and prices through speakers placed along pavements.
City of Mutare spokesperson, Mr Charles Sadondo said the conduct violates council by-laws on noise control, and must be stopped immediately, warning that offenders will face fines and confiscation of the equipment used.
“To lure customers, most stationery shops have put out radio speakers outside their shops, and they will either be playing music at maximum volume or announcing what they have in their shops and the prices. This practice is against council by-laws and should be stopped forthwith or risk being fined.
Our health inspectors will fine you and confiscate the instruments being used to disturb public peace,” he said.
He said council has received voluminous complaints from residents, workers and other businesses in the CBD about the unbearable noise, particularly during peak business hours.
Mutare noise control regulations prohibit the use of sound amplification devices in public spaces without authorisation, especially where such noise interferes with public comfort, health and safety.
Mr Sadondo said enforcement teams have been deployed to ensure compliance, adding that ignorance of the law is no defence.
“People must understand that business promotion should not be done at the expense of public health and order. The city will not hesitate to act against those who continue to disregard the law,” he said.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to excessive noise can have serious short and long-term health effects, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Mutare CBD where thousands of people pass through daily.
Noise pollution has been linked to hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), sleep disturbances, headaches, fatigue and increased stress levels.
Medical practitioner, Dr Tendai Zuze said studies have also shown that chronic exposure to loud noise can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and anxiety disorders.
He said children, the elderly, people with existing medical conditions and workers who spend long hours in noisy environments are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of noise pollution.
“The longer one is exposed to noise, the more complications we expect. Generally, people who live or work near hotspots, elderly, young children and pregnant women are more at risk of health complications from noise. Possible health hazards include hearing loss, high BP, poor sleep and increased stress levels,” he said.
Dr Zuze said that even individuals who are not consciously aware of the impact of noise can suffer physiological stress responses, as the body releases stress hormones when exposed to continuous loud sound.
“People who work close to these noisy areas also tend to be less productive,” he said.
The City of Mutare has previously warned against other forms of noise pollution, including loud music from vehicles, night-time disturbances from bars and illegal public address systems, saying such activities compromise residents’ quality of life.
Mr Sadondo said the latest crackdown is part of the city’s broader efforts to maintain order, protect public health and ensure the city remains a safe and comfortable environment for residents and visitors.
He urged shop owners to explore lawful and responsible ways of marketing their products without violating council regulations.
“Business must be conducted in a way that respects others. We are encouraging compliance rather than punishment, but those who continue to break the law will face the consequences,” he said.
Council also urged members of the public to report noise pollution incidents to its health department as enforcement efforts intensify across the city.
ENDS
