By Kelfala Kargbo

Freetown, 1st December 2025 – At the heart of a densely populated city, sanity has become a luxury and noise pollution the order of the day. In Freetown, many consider noise pollution simply part of “normal city life.”

Noise pollution is not only about loud sounds but any sound that interferes with daily life. From being awakened in the morning by church bells or the ‘Azan’ from mosque speakers, to advertisements blaring from megaphones, loud music from nearby clubs, and constant honking on the streets, noise pollution touches every sphere of livelihood. Yet our collective decision to turn a blind eye to it threatens the peace and sanity of the city.

Neighbourhood Noise- Proper housing planning in Freetown remains a challenge, especially in the slums and much of the East End. Houses are clustered with little or no space between them, meaning what happens in one house easily disturbs another. Loud music in one home quickly becomes a nuisance to the next.

Benjamin Sesay, a resident of Old School, Hill Station, is one of the few who enjoys serenity in a city where quietness is rare. “Even without regulation, noise pollution is miles away from my house,” Sesay said with a broad smile.

But while Sesay enjoys quiet, Gabriel Senesie, a young man living in the East End, dwells in constant noise. His house, caught between a major street and local bars, feels like a nightclub, with music pounding nonstop.

Across many streets and residential areas, the influx of loud advertisements through speakers and megaphones tests the patience of neighbourhoods. In one instance, a young man selling DVDs used a loudspeaker at such a volume that it inconvenienced many. He then shouted over the noise, making the disturbance deliberate. A military officer nearby eventually seized his speaker.

Senesie explained that petty traders in his community use megaphones from morning until night. Even after repeated cautions from residents, the habit persists, with noise often continuing until 11 p.m. daily.

Speaking on possible solutions, Senesie recalled that people sold goods long before megaphones existed. “They can still sell without it. They just feel it is the only way to attract customers,” he said.

The Law and Enforcement- There are existing provisions in both the Public Order Act of 1965 and the Environmental Protection Agency Act of 2022 that prohibit certain levels of noise and institute fines.

Section 13 of the 1965 Public Order Act prohibits noise of any kind between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. It further prohibits noise where prior warning has been given, describing such acts as “nuisance.”

In May this year, the Sierra Leone Police issued stern warnings against loud music on the roads. Regional Commander for Freetown East, AIG Francis Brima Mendy, described the practice as “an unacceptable form of lawlessness.”

The police’s call came amid growing public concern about disturbances and declining quality of life. Yet despite the warnings, no arrests were confirmed, and noise pollution continues.

Effects of Noise

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), noise levels are considered excessive when they exceed 70 dB. Beyond this threshold, noise becomes a health concern.

A 2025 study, Assessment of Background Noise Levels in Four Commercial Areas of Freetown, Sierra Leone, revealed that all surveyed areas recorded average noise levels above the WHO recommended limit during daytime and evening hours. Goderich Street and Aberdeen Market exhibited the highest average daytime noise level (95.35 dBA) and the lowest average nighttime level (53.05 dBA).

The study concluded that such levels have far-reaching effects on both health and socio-economic development.

Mitigating Noise- The study’s authors made four recommendations to government to mitigate noise pollution: Enforce noise control regulations in commercial areas, with stricter penalties for non-compliance to encourage quieter practices.

Implement educational campaigns to inform traders, residents, and the public about the health risks of prolonged exposure to high noise levels, and promote protective measures such as earplugs.

Conduct regular noise assessments in commercial areas to monitor changes over time and explore installing noise barriers or enhancing sound insulation in affected buildings to provide relief for those frequently exposed.

While the effects of noise pollution may not always be visible, the lack of enforcement of existing laws means its long-term consequences could be devastating.