Cohabitation: these undesirable ‘nocturnal disturbances’ (Corner paper)

Ouagadougou: In the large cities of Burkina Faso, it is common for citizens to complain about noise pollution caused by their neighborhoods. Said noise pollution comes from places of worship and workshops, but especially from drinking establishments. In Ouagadougou for example, the municipal police services received in 2023 a total of 1,509 complaints for noise pollution from drinking establishments, places of worship and workshops (welding, painting, sewing, etc.). The revelation was made during a press conference hosted at the start of 2024 by the president of the special delegation, Maurice Konaté. The most incriminated noise pollution is that emanating from drinking establishments. On this subject, the complaining residents mention the fact that the music coming from these 'undesirable scrubs' prevents them from sleeping. According to them, the same noises also do not allow their children to study at certain times of the day. Generally, the case begins with negotiations with the tenant, before leadin g to arrests or even trials. We have also seen cases where incriminated outlets were closed before being reopened with the same nuisance. It happens that the owners of said drinking establishments brandish authorizations that they have obtained from the competent authorities. Consequently, according to them, no one can prevent them from carrying out their activity, royally forgetting that the freedom of some ends where that of others begins. We note that this noise pollution can be disadvantageous for the promoters of these drinking establishments. Indeed, some people who frequent the maquis go there for the drink and not necessarily for the music, especially if it is very rowdy. For these people, loud music is more than enough reason to avoid these types of places. Among these, are those people who can receive 'serious' calls at any time who will therefore never go into a maquis where they will have difficulty answering certain calls. Perhaps there are many customers who love maquis where the music is l oud than those who prefer 'quiet' maquis. Anything that would explain the proliferation of these types of drinking establishments. But please avoid installing them in the middle of residential houses, especially if you are not able to limit the field of impact of the sound. However, the law is clear on this. Indeed, according to provisions of the environmental code, noise pollution in Burkina Faso constitutes an offense, particularly a misdemeanor. The first law against noise and noise pollution was published in 1992. This has gradually been strengthened. According to the provisions of the said law, 'no particular noise must, by its duration, repetition or intensity, harm the tranquility of the neighborhood or the health of humans in a public or private place'. In any case, municipal authorities, if only for the sake of public peace, must take their responsibilities. They must act and/or crack down. It is about promoting social values and living together. Source: Burkina Information Agency