Evaluation of noise pollution in educational institutes of Addis Ketema sub city in Addis Ababa administration

Abstract

Nowadays, along with air pollution and water pollution, noise pollution also hits public life and creates problems for a normal life. The noise level should be in the range of 35 dB (A) to 55 dB (A) in and around an educational institute. The measurements taking on the noise levels in dB (A) with the help of a mobile application of Noise Level Meter (Decibel X) and by questionnaire supplied to students, teachers, and officials. The paper concludes by outlining some current WHO standards for classrooms. The noise assessment conducted during morning (7:00 to 11:00 am), and afternoon (1:00 to 5:00 pm) of the working day from the survey Addis ketema general secondary school and Raguel general secondary school had highest rate of noise. Almost in all measurement points, noise values exceeded 55 dB (A), the limit value according to WHO standard noise control regulation except Dagimaw Brihan KG and primary school and Dilachin general and secondary school that had recorded 47.75dB(A) and 55.25dB(A) average value respectively. The analyzed result clearly shows that the rate of the noise level Addis Ketema sub-city, in all four schools (in and out) is very high and not suitable for the teachinglearning process. The main sources of noise pollution in these school environments are surface transportation noise (from “aytobis tere” bus station, taxes, min bus….) and people passing, miscellaneous sources like noise from loud advertisement, loud music commercial area & business sectors etc. Although there are proclamations dealing with public nuisance in the country‟s constitution dating as back as 1997 the question of why no one is doing anything about it remains unanswered. Some improvements are suggested to reduce the noise such Shutting the class doors and window during the teaching period, and planting trees or grasses as the barrier around the school area.