Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Grootfontein municipality says it will take firm action against shebeen and bar owners who violate noise regulations and public order laws.
This follows complaints from residents about growing lawlessness in the town.
“We are concerned about the bars and loud music from bars. In fact, on Monday, we had a very serious meeting and we are going to take strict measures against shebeen owners and other places of entertainment that are not adhering to the laws,” said acting chief executive officer of the municipality, Indileni Lungameni.
Lungameni said the municipality has approached the Namibian Police Force to assist in enforcing compliance.
“We are going to take strict measures with the assistance of the police. People must not play loud music and must install soundproof material on their premises,” he said.
He also said the municipality plans to prohibit people from standing outside bars and will enforce a ban on barbecues held in front of these venues.
“They should also not be any people standing outside the establishments, and there should be no barbecues outside,” Lungameni stated.
Residents have raised concerns about loud music playing throughout the night, underage drinking, public urination, and disorderly behaviour outside drinking spots.
Some residents accuse local authorities of failing to enforce existing laws, including the Liquor Act and municipal by-laws.
Lungameni admitted that enforcement has been weak and said the main issue is ensuring licence conditions are upheld.
“We are also engaging the police to enforce, especially with the liquor licences. So right now it’s just a matter of enforcing the conditions,” he said.
He added that entertainment venues found violating licence terms could face closure or other penalties.
Efforts to get comment from the Namibian Police’s Otjozondjupa regional commander were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
A resident, David Sheefeni, described the town as “becoming unbearable”.
“You can’t sleep because of the noise, and children walk past drunk people just to get to the shop. It’s dangerous,” he said.
The liquor act of 1998 prohibits underage drinking and public consumption of alcohol. Municipal laws also limit noise, especially during designated rest hours.
Residents say the increase in bars and entertainment spotsnear homes is making life difficult for families and the elderly.
