Foday Jaward
Outgoing Minister of the Environment
In recent time, the noise from churches and mosques due to the use of loud speaker is adversely affecting society and the Environment Ministry, the Freetown City Council and the Environmental Protection Agency have appeared to be seal-lips.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned against noise pollution and has recommended that the level of noise should not exceed 70 dB to avoid hearing impairment.
Recent research shows that noise pollution increases the risk for hypertension, sleep disturbance, hearing impairment, tinnitus and cognitive impairment, with increasing evidence for other health impacts such as adverse birth outcomes and mental health problems.
What could be referred to as noise pollution from the musical set in some churches and some mosques in the capital city of Freetown is swiftly affecting society negatively.
Mr. Babatunde Thomas, a renowned Noise Expert, has urged the Ministry of Environment, the Freetown City Council and the Environmental Protection Agency to act fast to put an end to this menace in society. Mr. Thomas clarifies that he is not against the use of musical instruments in churches and in mosques but he is against the noise pollution of the environment due to the use of loud speakers and Public Announcement System.
“I am a Christian myself but such pollution of the environment should not be treated with a pinch of salt by the line ministries and the agencies,” said Mr. Thomas, furthering by urging the Ministry of the Environment, the Freetown City Council and the Environmental Protection Agency to start imposing fines on the defaulting churches and mosques. Mr. Thomas continued by stating that the most common health problem associated with Noise pollution is Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances, and stress. Considering the health implications associated with noise pollution, Mr. Thomas added that, if noting is done swiftly by the government of Sierra Leone to engage members of the Inter-Religious Council to step up in cautioning their members its will one day lead to huge upheavals in society that will be difficult to address.
