Source : Straits Times – 10 Jul 2009
THE Housing Board’s reply on Monday (’Noisy works: HDB rules safeguard residents’ interest’) to Mr Tay Xiong Sheng’s letter (’Levy an inconvenience fee that can be given to neighbours who bear the brunt of the noise’, July 2) did not address the crux of Mr Tay’s point.
Current rules and guidelines may have solved noise pollution arising from renovation work previously, but not these days. Previously, renovation work was less elaborate and shorter in duration because flats were new and did not need any excavation of concrete cement to lay new flooring.
The machine required to excavate cement generates deafening noise and the work usually lasts for three days with breaks only at lunchtime, and can go beyond 5pm at times.
I appeal not only to the Ministry of National Development, but also to the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources as well as Members of Parliament, to study the problem.
The noise level is unbearable enough for those who are awake, but what about those who work shifts and return in the morning to sleep?
Mr Tay was understating his point about compensating neighbouring units affected by a flat owner’s renovation. In fact, an entire block is usually as badly affected.
One answer is to have parquet flooring in HDB flats, as parquet is usually made of teak wood and is very durable.
It will also produce less noise when one moves furniture. New or old lessees who want to do flooring should be allowed to change only to parquet.
We are temporarily enjoying some peace as the property market is now cool. When it was sizzling, there were several renovations done in my block in a year.
Renovation work on one unit took four to five months to complete and the owners did not make many friends when they moved in.
My point is that the key to taming noise pollution, and so ensuring quality of life for heartland dwellers, lies with the effectiveness of the HDB’s regulations.
Lau Kee Heng
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