The city of Kigali has stressed that those who wish to organise special gatherings during Christmas Day and New Year Day festivities should seek permission in writing from the competent authorities.

During a news conference at City Hall on Tuesday, the Mayor of the City of Kigali, Fidele Ndayisaba, said this concerns those organising concerts and churches that intend to have overnight prayers.

He said among the factors to be considered before permission is granted include location of the places to avoid to the places where noise pollution might affect other people’s rights to safety and health.

Some of those events, according to the mayor, are concerts that are to be held in outdoor places. Ndayisaba said the city is ready to direct whoever wishes to organise such to zones where they can take place.

Normally, the request is made seven days in advance, but the mayor said they would be flexible for the festive season.

"For instance, there are different stadiums, gardens in Rusororo, there are parks at the borders of Kinyinya and Gisozi, and these are few of them. It is easy to get all requirements like tents, parking, lights as well as security maintenance. People can also suggest other places they find appropriate for such special occasions,” Ndayisaba said.

However, he clarified the new directive does not prevent people from organising small parties at their homes or going to pubs and bars for merrymaking on condition they do not exceed the level of noise or hours to inconvenience their neighbours.

"Nobody intends to interrupt people’s celebrations but you cannot pass the entire night playing loud music and making excessive noise. Those who want such long hours should seek permission and we will show them where to organise their events safely,” the mayor added.

Dr Mark Cyubahiro, the director-general of Rwanda Standards Board, said all measures are in line with curbing excessive noise which pauses health hazards like sleep deprivation and raising blood pressure, among others.

The law requires that music must not exceed 40 decibels at night and 50 decibels during daytime.

Officials said people should not wait for Police to come to them with sound monitors, but rather be considerate and respect other people’s rights.

Dennis Karera, the president of Rwanda Hospitality Association, said it is possible to enjoy music without causing noise pollution.

"In the bars you also find customers complaining of excessive sound which makes it hard for them to communicate. So let us entertain our patrons by not inconveniencing them and the environment,” he said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw