Govt to roll out nationwide noise monitoring system

…as EPA pilots project at the Kitty Seawall

The government will soon be implementing noise monitoring and public warning systems across the country as the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration advances efforts to improve citizens’ quality of life.
This announcement was made by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday whilst addressing the 190th Anniversary Gala for the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI). He was at the time commenting on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) pilot of the project at the Kitty Seawall, noting that “this will be placed all over the country.”
Over the weekend, the EPA in in collaboration with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) launched the pilot project, which uses smart technology to support real-time detection and monitoring of excessive noise levels in public spaces, helping both the public and law enforcement authorities identify and respond to noise nuisance more effectively.
The digital warning display will alert persons when noise levels exceed acceptable limits, encouraging greater public awareness, responsible behaviour, and respect for shared public spaces.
According to President Ali, “the sound alarm is not meant to stop the music and celebration on the seawall” but to guarantee better quality of life for families and communities.
“Because of the numerous complaint families would have made, they are now testing the see the level that is acceptable that will allow the entertainment whilst not disturbing the peace of families and communities and when that testing is completed, that level will be set and those who are entertaining customers on the seawall, will see the levels for themselves and make the adjustment,” he noted.
According to the EPA, this pilot project is another innovative step to strengthen enforcement of noise regulations and improve environmental governance through technology and data-driven solutions.
The EPA noted that it will roll out this system to additional public locations across Guyana as part of a wider effort to address noise nuisance, support law enforcement, and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
The government has signalled its intention to holistically address the issue of noise nuisance across the country, with the Attorney General Chambers currently working on amendments to existing legislation.
According to the Environmental Protection Act, noise nuisance means any unwanted sound including vibration that annoys, disturbs or perturbs normal persons with reasonable sensitivities: or any unwanted sound which reasonably may be perceived to injure or endanger the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of any humans or animals, or endangers or injures movable or immovable property.
Fines range from $300,000 to $750,000 and imprisonment for a month for those found liable on a summary conviction. Under the Environmental protection regulations, fines range from $75,000 to $500,000 and imprisonment for 6 months.