The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) in the Greater Accra Region has issued an order to the 355 Lounge, located on the 66 Orphan Crescent at Labone in Accra, to stop making excessive noise in the area.
The order comes at the heels of the frustrated residents of Labone in Accra who are at the receiving end of excessive noise pollution emanating from 355 Lounge petitioning the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Henry Quartey.
The petition to the Regional Minister was after numerous attempts by the residents to get 355 Lounge to see reason to work on the noise level at the lounge.
LaDMA, in a letter dated November 19, 2023 and signed by the Municipal Chief Executive, Solomon Kotey Nikoi, said: “This letter serves as a final warning to stop making the noise entirely until you obtain an EPA permit and an operating permit from the Municipal Assembly.’’
LaDMA warned that it will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action against 355 Lounge if it is found to be flouting the orders from the assembly.
The assembly indicated in the letter that it was aware that 355 lounge was operating without permit from the assembly and EPA and had engaged 355 Lounge on a number of occasions with the view that it would take steps to obtain the requisite permits.
It said: “However, you continue to operate with little consideration for your neighbours, who have repeatedly complained about your action and its effect on their health and their general wellbeing.’’
The otherwise plush residential area, Labone in Accra, which is the taste of the super class is fasting losing its serenity and ambience, as the residents are battling with noise from the numerous pubs, restaurants and lounges that have engulfed the area in recent times.
Noise pollution at Labone has reached alarming levels that the residents are helpless, as authorities are unable to control the ugly situation.
There are documents from the LaDMA that point to the fact that 355 Lounge operators were not doing things right and have flouted the byelaws of the assembly.
LaDMA conducted a noise audit and came to the conclusion that noise from 355 Lounge was high and indeed disturbing residents closer to the lounge.
Per the documentation, the decibels recorded by the audit team, led by Mr. Evans Tordzro, indicate the noise from the lounge between 12am and 2am was high.
The noise audit team from LaDMA observed that 355 operate a lounge that qualifies for a night club with loud music.
The assembly recommended that activities relating to the operation of the lounge should cease with immediate effect until further notice.
It was also recommended the LaDMA should organize stakeholder engagement with the residents in the area, especially the adjoining houses.
LaDMA was to determine if the 355 building was suitable for the intended purposes of a night club or lounge and that if the assembly permits 355 to be used for the purpose intended, there should be proper sound proofing, such as the use of acoustic materials, to contain noise within the lounge.
The entries and exits to the lounge are fitted with double sound-proof doors to prevent noise from escaping from the main chamber.
It was also recommended all appropriate permits such as the EPA, Tourism, Suitability and Building permits should be obtained to ensure safe operations of the lounge or night club.
The noise audit was conducted by the LaDMA on September 29, 30 and October 1, 2023 and because the assembly has not ensured that things are done right by 355 Lounge, the noise pollution is getting worse.
It is equally important to note that 355 Lounge was summoned to the La Magistrate Court on September 29, 2023 to appear before the court on November 7, 2023 to answer questions relating to the making of excessive noise and failure to obtain a building permit.
More To Come!
