BCA Steps In as Birkirkara Residents Allege Early Morning Noise from Collapse Site

It’s 6:30 AM, and the usually quiet streets of Birkirkara are echoing with the hum of machinery. The cause? Residents claim, an early morning start at the site of the recent building collapse on Triq il-Karmnu. The noise, they say, is disrupting their daily routines and causing distress.

Residents’ Grievances

Maria, a long-time resident of Triq il-Karmnu, wakes up to the sound of drills and diggers every morning. “I’m a retired teacher,” she says, “I like to wake up early, but not to this. It’s been going on for weeks now.” She’s not alone. Neighbors have taken to social media, expressing their frustration and sleepless nights.

Residents have been vocal about their concerns. They’ve reached out to their local councillors, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), and even the police. But the noise continues, and they feel their complaints are falling on deaf ears.

BCA Intervenes

The BCA, however, has been paying attention. Following numerous complaints, they’ve stepped in, conducting site visits and issuing warnings to the contractors. “We understand the residents’ concerns,” says Joseph Attard, BCA’s Chief Executive Officer. “We’re working with the contractors to ensure they adhere to the noise pollution regulations.”

According to the Environmental Protection Act, construction works should not commence before 7 AM on weekdays. However, some residents allege that the work starts even earlier. BCA is investigating these claims.

Contractors’ Perspective

We reached out to the contractors, who declined to comment on the record. However, a source close to the project hinted that the early starts are necessary to meet the project’s tight deadline. “It’s a race against time,” they said, “and every minute counts.”

But is the rush to complete the project worth the disruption to the community? That’s a question that’s being debated among residents, the BCA, and the contractors.

As the sun sets on Triq il-Karmnu, the noise subsides, but the tension remains. The residents hope for a resolution soon, one that respects their right to a peaceful morning and the contractors’ need to complete their work.

“We just want to wake up to the sound of birds, not drills,” says Maria, her voice echoing the sentiment of her neighbors.