Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
Herald Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has hailed the Government directive for churches operating in residential areas to install soundproofing and ensuring that fuel stations will no longer be licensed to operate in residential zones.
In a statement, ZNOART national chairman Mr Shalvar Chikomba said the directive will ensure the enforcement of Harare Noise by-laws amended in 2014 and the Control of Worship in Open Spaces by-laws of 2016.
“For over a decade, residents have endured excessive noise pollution, particularly from some churches operating in residential areas despite clear legal provisions,” he said.
He said that the proliferation of fuel stations in residential areas has been of major concern to residents, due to safety concerns, environmental risk and violation of town planning standards.
“While the Government’s position that fuel stations will no longer be licensed in residential areas is welcome, residents seek clarity on whether existing irregular licences will be reviewed, planning violations will be corrected, and accountability will be enforced where approvals were granted contrary to the law,” he said.
He said that as an organisation, they expect to see the enforcement of the directive by the responsible authorities.
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