Malta's chronic noise pollution deficit

The call by the opposition spokesman for the environment spokesman, Leo Brincat for action on noise pollution (July 27) is most welcomed by many citizens who have to put up and endure the many forms of noise pollution that invade peoples' homes.

Noise pollution in Malta is getting worse and it is getting more and more on peoples' nerves. Many citizens feel sorely let down by the inertia of the authorities concerned to safeguard their legitimate rights for a reasonably serene environment in their respective homes and localities. Many often wonder what the authorities concerned really stand for.

Given the opposition spokesman's reaction to the state of present legislation on noise pollution, one trusts that the government seizes this opportunity to sensibly and effectively regulate excessive fireworks and other sources of noise pollution such as that caused by the entertainment industry, the construction industry, public transport and commercial vehicles, vehicles' modified exhaust systems, road rage behaviour and noisy nuisances caused by garages and workshops in residential areas etc.

Regrettably, Malta does not only have chronic financial deficits but also chronic noise pollution deficits, with some very significant acute effects on peoples' health and the quality of life.

I do believe that, rightfully, citizens do expect that noise pollution abatement should be one of the government's priorities so as to translate another of its leaps-in-the quality-of-life electoral promises into real action.