Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has intervened following complaints from residents living near Hillside Dams over excessive noise from a fundraising event.
The intervention highlights growing concerns over disturbances linked to public gatherings in residential areas.
The complaints, contained in the latest council minutes, centred on a fundraising activity held at Hillside Dams, where residents reportedly raised alarm over noise levels they said were disrupting the peace in surrounding neighbourhoods.
According to the report, council received the complaint on March 23 and subsequently dispatched officials to investigate the matter.
“On the 23rd March 2026, a noise complaint was received from nearby residents concerning a fundraising activity at Hillside Dams. Following an inspection, an intimation letter was issued to the owners, advising compliance with the Bulawayo Noise By-laws to avoid further disturbance to the surrounding community and ensure adherence to local regulatory standards,” reads part of the report.
While Hillside Dams remains a popular recreational and event venue, attracting visitors for leisure activities and various social functions, nearby residents have at times expressed concern over activities that spill beyond acceptable noise thresholds.
Council’s intervention signals an effort by authorities to ensure organisers of public and fundraising events operate within the confines of municipal regulations designed to safeguard communities from environmental nuisances.
Bulawayo has by-laws governing permissible noise levels and environmental health standards, with local authorities empowered to issue warnings and take enforcement measures where violations occur.
Authorities and residents associations have long argued that prolonged exposure to excessive sound levels can negatively affect quality of life, contributing to stress, sleep disruption and tension within communities.
Residents often support community fundraising initiatives and public events, but concerns frequently arise when such activities are perceived to interfere with daily life.
The latest intervention by council may renew debate over stricter monitoring of venues hosting events and whether organisers should adopt stronger sound management measures to minimise disruption.
Although no further action beyond the warning letter was outlined in the report, council indicated the need for adherence to the city’s noise regulations to prevent repeat incidents.
The matter is expected to remain under observation as authorities continue monitoring environmental health and public nuisance concerns across the city.
