Loud noise irks the elderly

ELDERLY residents within the vicinity of Draiba Primary School are complaining about the excessive noise emanating from the school during the weekends and holidays.

They cite, as an example, a church youth group that recently camped at the school and having their morning prayers from 12am to 4am.

“I’m getting mentally disturbed at the high decibel sounds coming from their electronic speakers,” a concerned resident said.

“I have hardly gotten any sleep and it is causing me anxiety, stress and affecting my health,”

“Despite repeated calls to the relevant authorities, nothing seems to happen, and the noise continues unabated and unchecked.

“I have made repeated calls to the police, and they have attended to the complaint but as soon as they leave, the volume rises up again,” he said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Livai Driu had said offenders could be charged with common nuisance for playing loud music and causing disturbance.

The concerned citizen said noise pollution in Draiba was not new and they had been putting up with it for years.

“We have no issue with school related activities. It is when the school hires out the classrooms after school hours, on weekends, public and school holidays that we have an issue with.

“From the Boy Scout’s jamboree to church groups hiring the classrooms for worship and using electronic speakers blasting away for all to hear that causes the problem.

“As if that wasn’t enough, the caretaker himself listens to music with the speakers on full volume when no one is there.”

According to the concerned citizen, most groups that lease the classrooms bring their own sound systems and leasing different classrooms with music blaring away from 4am until midnight.

The residents met representatives of the Suva City Council and police regarding the issue.

The Ministry of Education says they have no control over the school as it is managed by a committee.

Divisional police commander Superintendent of Police Farasiko Matawalu confirmed they had met the school management and advised them that no gathering in the school compound was to be allowed without a permit.

“We will continue to monitor, and any breach will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

I have hardly gotten any sleep and it is casing me anxiety, stress and affecting my health

– Elderly resident