NASoM is calling it a day.

The Noise Abatement Society of Malta (NASoM) has decided to cease operations, fifteen years after it was founded.  During this time no stone was left unturned to safeguard and promote the resident’s right to live in a peaceful environment free from noise pollution. 

The Society discussed its goals at the place of work, the learning environment at forums and Council meetings. We participated in discussion programmes on TV and the radio . Topics included: the adverse effect to the health and wellbeing from exposure to chronic noise; how to protect your hearing and wellbeing and  to respect your neighbours.

 

Residents in urban areas are exposed to noise from different sources; traffic, construction, ports, leisure industries, season celebrations and closer to home, noisy neighbours. The noise from these sources is present all day until early at night. The noise level is less than 70 decibels and it does not cause hearing loss. Yet, whenever, urban noise interferes with; communication, concentration or rest, it can cause an adverse health effect and a deterioration in the quality of life.

 

Fragmentation of institutional responsibilities appears to be amongst the main drawbacks that hinder the authorities from regulating noise more effectively. At present, responsibilities for regulating noise are divided amongst 10 regulatory bodies and there is no specific institutional mechanism for coordination on matters related to noise. The regulations are  reactive and noise is assessed subjectively and rarely enforced.

 

The noise regulatory authorities , normally ,work during office hours .Hence, noise complaints before and after the office hours have to be reported to the police. Action by the police, is dependent on the workload.  Court cases take forever to be heard and the ruling might increase the victim’s misery.

 

The IGNA report for the overview of critical noise values in the European Region, state that at least 26 European countries, “have some form of target or noise limit values”. Malta doesn’t have any noise limits or targets. Although ERA stated that by 2019 “Malta will be issuing legislation regulating neighbourhood noise in the near future”.

 

Every year, we received several requests from the residents exposed to chronic noise. We either informed the authorities about the matter or advised the residents how to proceed.  Oftentimes, we conducted noise reports as objective evidence if the case was to be taken to court.

 

In between 2011 and 2013 the NGO worked  with the environment minister, Dr. M. DeMarco in the preparation of a new set of regulations. These regulations were proactive , included noise level threshold, laid down that noise was a criminal offence and a specific regulation for the control of neighbour noise.

The regulations; “ Noise Abatement, Prevention and Control Act”, were published but not enforced! Maybe the 2013 election, got in the way.

It would be amiss if we failed to give our thanks to those who offered their support, including the Times of Malta.

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