Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1000343
7 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 JULY 2018 readings were confirmed using a second sound-measuring me- ter app, which generated nearly identical results. Some perimeter fencing - as in the photo above - requires atten- tion to ensure no unathorised visitors can gain access to the sites On a positive note, we observed that all the sites we visited man- aged to contain the dust gener- ated on-site and stop it from spreading outside their perim- eters. inspections in Sliema, St Julian's and Gzira. But Fava believes there are no- where near enough inspectors and supporting staff to make the exercise a success. "The idea has a lot of merit because there are definitely numerous infringements, but there is a lack of human re- sources and this will affect the level of enforcement that can be deployed," he said. Fava said that many develop- ers demonstrated a care-free attitude when it came to some basic regulations that – if ap- plied – would make residents' lives much better. "A vast majority of residents' complaints are related to four main concerns – road closures, dust, noise and basic negli- gence," he said. "If the inspections were to regularise all shortcomings re- lated to these concerns, most residents would already be sat- isfied, but I do not think we will be in any position to effectively enforce the sanctions imposed." Carmel Cacopardo, chairman of Alternattiva Demokratika, believes the problem is even worse. He believes most infractions happen on a macro level, with self-employed contractors, rather than the big outfits. "The big developers tend to stick to the rules because they know that their reputation – as well as the work itself – could very well suffer were they to cut corners," he told MaltaToday. "Small tradesmen, like plaster- ers, electricians, painters and plumbers are very often the problem." Cacopardo said that it is high time that residents' concerns are seriously taken into consid- eration, seeing as how nothing of the sort has been done for so long. "It will now take a lot of time to regularise everyone because, after so many years of no en- forcement, people have become used to this sorry state of af- fairs," he said. Like Fava, Cacopardo believes residents' rights are nowhere near being protected, although specific regulations in Maltese law lay down clear steps any de- veloper or owner of a construc- tion or development site must take to reduce the inconven- ience caused to residents. In fact, Schedule 1, Regulation 7 'Reducing Nuisance to Neigh- bours' of the Environmental Management Construction Site Regulations of 2007 includes a number of conditions any de- veloper or owner must observe. It stipulates that no work can be carried out before 7am or after 8pm and that site activi- ties generating more than 65 decibels measured immediately outside the site should cease be- tween 2pm and 4pm. Between 15 June and 30 Sep- tember, no demolition work or excavation is allowed in indi- cated areas. And, of course, no construction is to be carried out on Sundays and public holidays. The issue of dust is also al- ready well regulated and needs only to be enforced. In fact, the regulations state that cutting of stone and bricks is only allowed on site as long as machinery and tools are equipped with dust extraction and recovery systems, or within the building itself once roofing of the lower floor of the struc- ture is completed. Screed sand and other loose building materials are supposed to be transported, deposited and stored on site in rigid con- tainers with suitable covers or flexible sturdy containers that can be appropriately sealed. Also, before leaving a con- struction site, all wheeled ve- hicles should have their tyres washed of any dirt, grime or any other material that may be car- ried out into the public area. And prior to leaving the site, the owner or developer must ensure that – on a daily basis – public sidewalks and public areas within 10 metres of the construction site are swept or vacuumed. The law also states that any person undertaking any sanding activity is bound to ensure that dust emissions are restricted to the site and are not allowed into the surrounding environment. Emails sent to the Building Regulation Office and the Oc- cupational Health and Safety Authority remained unan- swered by the time we went to print. Terms and conditions apply. Approved and issued by HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c., 116, Archbishop Street, Valletta VLT1444. Licensed by The Malta Financial Services Authority to conduct Investment Services business and is enrolled as a tied insurance intermediary for HSBC Life Assurance (Malta) Ltd. (Ref No. 102648 – 06/2018) Together we thrive Click hsbc.com.mt Call 2380 2380 HSBCMalta HSBC_MT • A broad range of aordable protection plans that cover what really matters to you • Highly personalised advice designed around your needs Relax with your family's future protected