Noise effects can trigger premature illness and, in extreme cases, death. In general, it is considered among the most relevant environment and health problems, just behind the impact of air quality, but potentially becoming more relevant, if no action will be taken.
The Nationalist Party programme (proposal 56) underlines the need for better control of noise pollution but fails to identify the methodology as underlined in the White Paper, namely management, enforcement and education. In addition, as a focal point, insert the call-centre. It is evident that without an adequate management structure, this centre would be a letting-off-steam point rather than bring respite to those suffering from noise nuisance.
On the other hand, the Labour Party has completely omitted noise pollution from its road map. Nevertheless, during a meeting with the social community, party leader Joseph Muscat assured the Noise Abatement Society of Malta (NASoM) that the White Paper policy will become law, although implementing the regulations might not be too easy due to the population density.
Neighbourhood noise includes noise arising from activity within the community, such as industrial and entertainment premises, trade and business premises, construction sites and noise in the street, including urban traffic. This activity contributes to more than 80 per cent of the entire noise nuisance on our islands.
The urbanised area encompassing St Julian’s across to Mosta extended to Luqa across to Żejtun has an area of 84km2 and a population density of over 3,000 per km2. Activity in this conurbation includes seven industrial estates, major educational institutions, main tourist centres, hospitals and incessant construction activity, while the airport and industrial port are in close proximity.
It is relevant to include the noise nuisance from cultural and other events, some of which are seasonal. These activities entail motorised traffic to commute the roadways linking these areas, causing high traffic congestion for most of the day.
Two years ago, the Government started the process to review the framework regarding neighbourhood noise control through exhaustive meetings with key public sector members and NGOs.
The final draft of the White Paper indicated a consensus on the major issues. Therefore, the policy underlined in the White Paper should be enacted with immediate effect.
It is indeed a shame to postpone any further the setting up of tools that are essential for the control of noise pollution.