Editorial

It is not just the festa petards (as distinct from the colourful fireworks) that cause so much discomfort to so many. There is so much noise going on practically all the time, not just in summer, that it would seem that the people who cause such noise have become insensitive to the distress it creates.

Malta has, in fact, become far too noisy, a complaint that must surely rank high in the list of irritants that disturb life today. Yet, it seems we have barely noticed it. To people coming to Malta for the first time, it must seem to them that the Maltese have become immune to the high decibels that assault their mind and body, although the problem is found in other countries as well. In Britain, for example, it is a talking point today. But this is hardly of any consolation to those caught in situations where noise has ruined their lives.

There are many forms of noise that disturb the peace of mind. In a number of cases, excessive noise can also be harmful to health. Jackhammers used in roadworks, and mechanical equipment in constant use at building sites all over the island, are a nightmare to people living close by. It would seem there is absolutely no one that controls and regulates their use.

Then again, this is only part of the story of the ever-growing noise pollution that has changed the face of so many areas that were rather free of excessive noise. Take the open-air concerts held close to residential areas in summer, for instance. True, these may have official permits laying down the time up to which they can last, but are such times observed all the time? And, in any case, should such concerts be held in areas close to homes? There may not be all that many open spaces in Malta where such concerts can be held but does this justify the organisation of concerts in close proximity of private residences?

Hardly anything can be done about the noise that heavy traffic generates all the time. But surely something ought to be done to discourage drivers from playing music in their cars at full blast, particularly when they are driving through village cores. Is not this more irritating than parking a car an inch or two outside a box? Yet, music at ear-shattering decibels from cars racing through roads everywhere does not seem to annoy the keepers of the peace or the wardens, for that matter.

Not to mention the unnecessary hooting of horns, especially by delivery vehicles.

Besides all these irritants, there is another that greatly disturbs peace-living people - noisy neighbours. Again, loud music or sound from TV sets and radios must top the list of discomforts, though dogs barking on roofs at night can cause distress too. Effective sound insulation at home helps, but not all can afford going into such an expense.

Only a few days ago, The Daily Telegraph in Britain reported that, according to one study, no fewer than 600,000 Britons said they had moved home in the last year to get away from noisy neighbours. A study of over 2,000 households across Europe found that noise was a major factor in explaining the increased stress ordinary people report in their everyday lives.

It is amazing how so very little is said about this growing problem in Malta when people in other countries are becoming more sensitive to its effect on daily lives.

Who is going to take the matter up?