A year ago I wrote a letter describing the unbearable situation that my family and I must bear as a result of the constant loud sounds that bombard our home right in the middle of Żebbuġ.
The source of the unpleasantly loud music is Gianpula, a commercial open-air disco club that is situated just below Rabat. The music is so loud that the bass sounds drum themselves right into your brain, so that it is impossible to have a healthy sleep, especially at the weekend. The disgrace is that this madness goes on till 6 o'clock in the morning.
And what is even worse is the fact that this uncivilised activity is "legal" in a supposedly civilised country.
From what I gather, it is the Malta Tourism Authority that is ultimately responsible for allowing places like Gianpula to destroy people's health. I ask myself why the authorities allow a handful of money grabbers to terrorise the people who live in the area.
Indeed, it seems that it is not only the residents of Żebbuġ who are disturbed at night. In a letter published in a local newspaper on July 6, a correspondent from Dingli also complained about the same problem from the same source.
And I know for a fact that people in Mdina are also victims of Gianpula.
Obviously, the problem is not restricted to Żebbuġ.
This is a clear case of noise pollution, a type of pollution that is grossly underestimated. It is indeed shocking to read about the effects of noise on people's health.
According to a report in the Guardian of August 23, last year research shows that "noise can increase the levels of...hormones such as cortisol, adrenalin and noradrenalin in the body, even during sleep.
"The longer these hormones stay in circulation around the bloodstream, the more likely they are to cause life-threatening physiological problems.
High stress levels can lead to heart failure, strokes, high blood pressure and immune problems."
Moreover, "all of this is happening imperceptibly...Even when you think you are used to the noise, these physiological changes are still going on".
This madness has to stop once and for all. Restrictions should be imposed on the level of noise allowed in places like Gianpula and on the time when any noise should be allowed. Discos that disturb peaceful citizens should be closed down or move indoors with proper soundproofing.
Finally, once more I challenge the owners of Gianpula to react to this letter and justify their position.
The consequences of their business interests on people's well-being are much worse than those of the numerous brainless thugs who drive around the streets disturbing as many people as possible with the deafening, loud music in their cars.
As citizens, we are entitled to our peace and quiet, at least between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The authorities have the responsibility to guarantee that all the citizens of Malta can have a decent, restful night.