After over a year of complaints to MEPA, OHSA and the police, Senglea residents finally had their day in court today, when the police acted on complaints submitted following another night of noise which prevented residents from getting much rest on the night of the 28-29th January.
Representing the Senglea Residents’ Association, Anna Spiteri reported how residents have been approaching her for some time about the intolerable noise coming from Palumbo’s shipyard, the most recent being the constant noise of a generator running day and night. There followed a detailed cross-examination during which it was suggested that the disturbance may be caused by other ships, such as cruise ships, however Ms Spiteri was adamant that the noise, which she said can be heard beyond Senglea to other parts of the Three Cities, was allegedly coming from one of two ships currently docked at the Palumbo shipyard.
A second witness, a foreign resident living in Senglea could provide a very detailed account of when the noise episodes occurred, confirming reports that the noise coming from the ships being repaired at Palumbo Shipyard was not limited to generator noise but included sandblasting, hammering, and sawing with a metal saw, which operations the resident had filmed as proof which was handed to the court. The young man confirmed that his sleep had been disturbed on several occasions. When Palumbo’s lawyer asked him whether he had managed to sleep after one particularly bad night he replied “Yes, five days later”.
The residents emphasised that they are not expecting a blanket ban on noise being generated by Palumbo Shipyards, but are simply asking for a ban on noise during the night.
The case is adjourned until tomorrow, to give all parties the opportunity to view the recordings, and in order to hear more witnesses.
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 the rate of cardiac problems, depression and accidents due to lack of sleep. FAA maintains that this is a case of environmental justice and that Palumbo shipyards should implement good management practice by limiting noisy work to daytime hours. If this carries with it an economic onus for Palumbo, it should be kept in mind that residents’ health and loss of productivity also has economic an impact on the nation.