Three Palumbo Shipyard representatives were arraigned in court this morning after Senglea residents complained they could not stand the incessant noise disturbing their sleep any longer.
The arraignment followed a criminal complaint filed by Anna Spiteri, who is also the PRO of the Senglea Resident Association, regarding an incessant, low, rumbling noise heard on the night between last Thursday and Friday.
Company director Joseph Calleja, Francesco Domenico Impollino as captain of the vessel Hamal and vessel inspector Saverio Velluci stand charged with disturbing the inhabitants' repose.
Taking the witness stand, Ms Spiteri told Magistrate Aaron Bugeja that the incident was "the last straw" and that the particular noise was first heard last Monday. She believed the loud sound was emanating from a generator.
"I lay on my pillow and the noise penetrated my mind," Ms Spiteri told the court.
"At first I thought it was a car. But it wasn't. It was impossible to sleep."
Ms Spiteri outlined the problems being faced by the residents especially throughout the past five years, including air pollution and the din caused by hammering and saws cutting through metal.
"My daughter is about to sit for her exams. She needs to sleep at night. Year after year nothing happens. We are getting sick."
She did not question that Palumbo needed to work, but said that the Mepa permit enabled them to work until 10pm.
Ms Spiteri said she believed the generator's sound emanated from Dock 5, explaining that there were two ships docked next to each other but could not identify which ship was responsible for the sound.
"I don't know which ship's generator is making so much noise. It's irrelevant. The noise is emanating from Palumbo and we need to sleep."
The magistrate pointed out that every detail was relevant, especially since the case was a criminal and not a civil one.
The next witness to testify was US national Paul Macdonald, who filed three police reports in January. On January 29, he complained of the low, rumbling generator sound at around 2am. He also submitted recordings to the police. He said he could only sleep for an hour and a half on the night.
The court appointed Joseph Agius to examine the site at night and measure the noise levels.
Lawyers Abigail Bugeja, Matthew Brincat and Kathleen Grima are appearing for the accused.
Inspector Josric Mifsud is prosecuting.
Astrid Vella from Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar was present for the case.
She told the Times of Malta: "FAA is supporting the residents of the Three Cities on this case as noise, especially at night, has been scientifically proven to undermine health in increasing rate of cardiac problems, depression and accidents due to lack of sleep.
"This also has economic an impact on nation. FAA maintains that this is a case of environmental justice and that Palumbo shipyards need to implement good management practice by limiting noisy work to daytime hours."