Noise pollution shocker
2007-11-08
A SWISS financier who spent the night in Paarl, has left the town, taking his money elsewhere after a sleepless night caused by noise from patrons of restaurants and bars in Main Street.
From his hotel room at the Mount Nelson in Cape Town, Xavier Bachmann said: “I was confronted with the worst noise pollution imaginable in a residential area in Main Street.
“In the Bossa Nova/La Romantica restaurant area, the motorbikers are incredibly noisy, their revving waking up residents, elderly people in homes for the aged, guests and tourists residing in hotels, bed-and-breakfast facilities and in private homes.
“This is blank terrorism against every human being living 500-600 metres from these restaurants.”
Bachmann said he had noticed that Paarl, over the past four years, had become a focus of attention for overseas visitors and tourists, domestic and international investors.
“The reputation of the town however is falling at the same speed as the criminality of such uncontrolled wild west scenarios as is tolerated by the local police and the municipality.
“Saying this, I’m withdrawing with immediate effect a multi-million rand investment into the tourist business of the town of Paarl.”
He said: “One is shocked at the negligence of the officials of the town, and must distance oneself from such unacceptable inactivity of the responsible officials.
“The loss of quality of life and the reputation of Paarl are suffering irreparable damage with youngsters, often drunk, celebrating their exorbitant weekend noise orgies in Main Street.
“There is no excuse at all for such repeated noise pollution, and the failure to take action is making tourists and investors shy of Paarl and its Main Street.”
Municipal spokesman Anthony Sauls responded: “The mayor, council and officials do not condone unlawful and irresponsible behaviour.
“A continuous call is made on Paarlites to conduct themselves in a responsible way and not to create a nuisance for others.
“The mayor and officials encourage residents and visitors to report such incidents of unruly behaviour to the police.”
Said Paarl police communications officer, Insp Hildegarde Mackeur: “The problem has been brought to our attention.
“We have taken the matter to the relevant sector officials and regular patrols will be undertaken in that area during problem hours.”
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