As buildings go up, so does the noise:
Despite tighter rules and fines, more Singaporeans are complaining aboutdin from work sites
THERE has been a steady increase in the number of complaints on noise from construction sites.
In the first 10 months of the year, the National Environment Agency (NEA) received 11,327 complaints.
Last year, there were 9,230 — a 50 per cent jump from 2006, when 6,160 complaints were received.
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim gave this update in a written reply to a Parliamentary question by Ang Mo Kio MP Lam Pin Min.
Dr Yaacob said one of the reasons for the increase in complaints could be the corresponding jump in construction activity in Singapore. The number of construction sites went up by 22 per cent to about 6,100 last year.
Another reason could be higher public expectations for a quieter environment, he added.
The Minister said the NEA had tightened the permissible noise limits during night-time and on Sundays and public holidays since October last year.
The agency had also doubled the maximum fine for construction noise violations from $20,000 to $40,000.
It also takes action against errant contractors who repeatedly violate the permissible construction noise limits by issuing them work restriction orders, limiting their operating hours at the construction sites.
As at press time, NEA was not able to reply to Today’s questions on the number of contractors that were found to have repeatedly violated the permissible noise limits in 2006, 2007 and the first 10 months of this year.
Neither was it able to say how many work restriction orders had been issued, nor the number of contractors fined and the range of these fines for the same period.
The Minister pointed out that noise pollution cannot be eradicated completely as Singapore is a highly urbanised and compact city.
He assured the public that his ministry will work closely with the NEA and relevant agencies and stakeholders to review the regulatory framework for construction noise regularly.
He added that all complaints against construction noise will be investigated.
The public can call the NEA hotline at 1800 2255 632 at any time.
Source: Today Newspaper
Filed under: About Singapore, General, Property News
