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RC right on noise around residences
2007-06-16 08:56:26
By Editor
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Abbas Kandoro had talks with Ilala, Kinondoni, and Temeke municipal councillors early this week, during which he came tough on them over their failure to deal with bars, pubs and other businesses fond of playing loud music in residential areas beyond hours allowed by law.
The RC told the councillors point-blank that they were not courageous enough to enforce by-laws and regulations relating to nuisances to the people and abuse of environment in their respective areas.
He subsequently imposed an immediate ban on the noises and the running of garages in residential areas.
The ban is bold, wise and a welcome decision which is long overdue.
Surely, there is no reason for us to silently suffer the horrendous consequences of these cases of blatant contravention of laws and by-laws.
Unfortunately, we have been good at making such pieces of legislation while rarely enforcing them.
Municipal authorities have been enacting by-laws to help make the people they represent live in harmony and enjoy their lives.
The issuance of business licences to entertainment spots are issued on the basis of laws and by-laws and entails strict observance of the same, including having regard for town plans, environmental protection, occupational and community health and public security.
But many leaders at the level of locality, village, ward and division have displayed laxity and incompetence in ensuring theenforcement of the laws.
That partly explains the mounting heaps of garbage and litter around most urban streets.
Does it not manifest gross irresponsibility for a district or regional head to fumble when required to explain the pollution of an area under his or her direct supervision or command?
In circumstances where full-volume music is played non-stop close to hospitals, schools, places of worship and residential areas, one can safely assume that the authorities are irresponsible.
Councillors are better placed to help avert this situation and should discipline those responsible for the mess.
Kandoro has challenged these bystanders to show exemplary courage in enforcing the law instead of waiting for top authorities to breathe life into them.
This is a wake-up call for leaders at the locality, ward and divisional levels to show more action; it is also a reminder that they are accountable to the people.
It is high time people were held accountable for their acts of commission or omission.
Why should a developer planning to put up a structure that blocks the sewage disposal system implement the destructive scheme as local leaders look in awe until that leads to flooding?
We look forward to seeing leaders at all levels understand their role and act accordingly by rallying wananchi to make residential and other areas better places to live and work in.
There is no room for leaders scared of ensuring everyone, however poor or wealthy, observes the laws of the land without fail.
After all, leading is about being exemplary where public welfare is at stake. Leadership is facing challenges - and it is for the brave.
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