CHURCH NOISE POLLUTION RILES RESIDENTS

THE increasing number of churches that conduct their sermons in homes has angered some Lusaka residents who are now demanding for intervention from relevant authorities.

This follows the noise pollution emanating from the churches.

The churches are common in highly populated townships such as Kanyama, Chawama, Msisi and John Laing where houses were built barely two metres apart.

The residents lamented that such churches were getting out of hand and disturbing their peace by making noise through singing and playing loud gospel music.

They noted that some of the churches used loud speakers in the homes, making it impossible for school children to study.

Linah Kaoma of Kanyama compound complained that such churches in the area were disturbing their peace.

She disclosed that she had to take her child to a distant school to enable her study.

“I had to do that otherwise she was going to fail her exams. They make a lot of noise, sometimes we cannot even sleep.

“It’s becoming so annoying, not all the people go to the same church, and at least they have to make use of open spaces to conduct their crusades where they do not disturb the freedom of other people.

“I ‘am not against worshiping God, but it has to be done in an appropriate manner,” she said.

And Bwelani Nkhoma of the same township agreed with Ms Kaoma, suggesting that churches must be stopped from conducting sermons in homes.

“These churches are taking advantage of the fact that we are not complaining; it’s okay to preach the gospel but we must do so without infringing on other people’s rights,” Mr Nkhoma said.