KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna Municipality is calling on Knysna residents to limit the noise caused by home generators.
In a statement today, Monday 7 June, Acting Municipal Manager Dawid Adonis said with load-shedding and winter chills well underway, many residents and businesses are using generators to keep lights, appliances and heating on during load-shedding.
“Load-shedding unfortunately seems to now be a part of our lives. Many of us have no alternative but to wait until Eskom turns the lights back on, but some individuals and businesses have been able to equip their premises with backup generators in order to keep doing business and keep their households running,” he said.
He said nobody may be prejudiced against anyone’s enjoyment of their property or the right to trade.
“However, we are receiving frequent complaints from residents regarding the related noise, and neighbours leaving generators running after power had been restored. Subject to proper installation in compliance with SANS 10142-1 2017, and approval from the municipality’s electrical department for record purposes, users are reminded that running a generator should not create noise pollution,” he said.
The Western Cape Noise Control Act, 2013: Section 5: Noise from machinery in residential areas states that: “A person may not use a pool pump, irrigation pump, refrigeration unit, or any heating, ventilation or air-conditioning equipment, or any similar device, in a residential area if the noise on the property projection plane exceeds 50dBA or exceeds the residual noise level by more than 5dBA.”
Failure to comply with the Western Cape Noise Control Act, 2013, is a criminal offence and the necessary steps will be taken against any alleged transgressor.
“We appeal to all businesses and residents who make use of generators to please take extra care in soundproofing their units and to be aware of what emissions are released while the machines are operating. During times of load shedding, when tensions are already running high, this kind of noise disturbance can test even the most patient among us,” he said.
People are within their rights to run a generator, subject to the specifications above.
“But I do ask that you take your neighbours into consideration when doing so. Load shedding is already an uncomfortable burden; let us not make it even more difficult to bear for one another,” he said.
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