The recent news that residents in one of Balzan’s main arterial roads were left fuming and sleepless by roadworks which were carried out through the whole night until around 4am, angers many.

Just imagine if this was happening on your street.

When residents where the works were taking place contacted the Police to intervene late at night, they were simply told that if the contractors have permits issued by Transport Malta and Infrastructure Malta to carry out the works, then they could do nothing to stop them.  Transport Malta workers meanwhile ended their shift at around midnight and left the contractors to do as they pleased, residents said.

Road works at night in non-residential areas are a great idea, especially as this could reduce the traffic caused by works during the day. But such works in residential areas, where people have work in the morning, have to study for exams etc. is not only unacceptable, but is also cruel. Whoever gave the contractor permits to carry out the work should immediately be fired and the agency responsible owes the residents an apology.

The complaints made by residents prompted the Balzan local council to write to Transport Malta at 11pm on Thursday, arguing that while they know the road is an arterial one, and that it understands the choice to carry out works at such a time when there isn’t as much traffic, “it is worrying that in the late hours of the night there is excessive noise which is being heard streets away and causing extreme discomfort for residents.  We’re sure that the work can be done in such a manner where traffic chaos is avoided but also without insupportable noise at almost midnight.” A second email, effectively repeating the same points, was sent on Friday morning this time to Transport Malta, Enemalta and to Infrastructure Minister Aaron Farrugia and Energy Minister Miriam Dalli.

Noise pollution can have detrimental effects on people. How would the respective ministers like it such works occurred outside of their homes? Its not something they would likely put up with.

Another noise pollution issue has been highlighted by PN MP Adrian Delia.

Delia, who said he was writing the Facebook post at 2.30am, complained about loud music coming from an establishment on the limits of Rabat, and that the noise was being heard from Zebbug. “So much so that it is not allowing a person to relax and sleep, but is literally like the sound is inside their home.”

This is not acceptable, he said, arguing that it is in breach of the public peace.

Noise pollution in Malta has always been an issue, but such noise in the early hours of the morning, coming from road works, house parties, establishments need to be kept in check. Yes, permits might be issued, but residents deserve the ability to rest at night.