A reader, Dinesh Subramaniam wrote to the Straits Times to highlight his displeasure over excessive noise in Fernvale where he resides. His letter “Review rules on noise levels in housing estates” published on 16th September 2020 in the ST forum page, is true on many accounts. It’s a sensible letter.
I stand alongside Mr. Subramaniam as I and many of the residents in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 also face the same nagging problem of noise pollution which, regrettably, is poorly managed.
There is a dire need for proper coordination between the town councils and its partners, including government agencies.
In my proposal, I will highlight the issues we are facing and provide practical and workable solutions. I trust the issues I raise will be viewed as constructive feedback – to improve the lives of all that live, work and play here.
Noise pollution – poorly managed, can lead to serious health issues such as ear problems, heart diseases and even mental illness.
Currently, contract workers in the area where I live are tasked to cut the grass about two to three times in a week. After that they will use the leaf blowers to clear the pathways. These leaf blowers are put at full speed to hasten the work, and they do so in front of the block, at the back of the block and the surrounding areas. You can hear the noise even if it is about 200 metres away. It is well and good to clear the grass given that dengue fever is on the rise, but there needs to be some consideration for the residents.
Children need to study, the sick need to rest, and with workers having to work from home now in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is no way to create a conducive environment.
If the leaf blower is put at a slower speed, the noise can be bearable. Alternatively, NTU or NUS students studying engineering or engineers from DSTA or ASTAR could develop a device that allows for leaf blowers to operate at a much quieter volume.
Excessive noise from renovation of flats
Forum writers, myself included, have brought the issue of flyer litter in the press, and still the problem persist.
While the newsletter from the CDC is mailed, the one from the community club is placed at the door.
If a family or a resident is away for various reasons including having to be quarantined, then the uncleared material can tempt robbers to enter the flat. Because for every action – there is a reaction.
With people losing their jobs and trying to cope with financial hardships, many residents are selling off their flats, as property agents are often placing their flyers on doors and gates of residents to ‘lure’ people into taking that route. There is a flat at Block 602 undergoing renovation currently (directly opposite my block), and the noise is deafening.
No one checks on this.
I am fully aware that everyone, property agents included, need money to survive, and thus one way to resolve this perennial problem of flyer litter is for the HDB or town council to fix a small flyer hanger on the wall at the side of the gate or door.
Noise from the MRT works and wakes
With the resumption of construction work on the MRT at Lentor, the noise coming from the work is just as disturbing.
Then wakes at held opposite by block – regularly.
How can anyone have any peace of mind when noise pollution is coming at you from all corners – all at the same time? Seriously!
Surely there need to have better coordination among agencies. For example, if a wake is held where prayers and chanting is part and parcel of the funeral rituals, then the contractor doing the renovation work must stop work during the period when the wake is at the same block.
Alternatively, if there is renovation at a particular block, then the wake can be held in another nearby block. But not at the same block. With proper management of HDB areas, residents can live in a much more peaceful environment.
Double glazed windows can reduce noise
These double-glazed windows which cost around $1,000 per rom can help reduce noise from about 50 percent to 80 percent, depending on the proximity.
The HDB might want to consider installing this feature at the flats – either at current homes, during upgrading programmes or at new housing estates.
Bird droppings brings about unhealthy environment, grow shorter trees
I raised the issue of endless bird droppings on my windows and on the newly installed clothes hanger as it is most unhealthy; and I can’t be closing my windows during the day when the birds fly into my kitchen to steal food, as I can’t breathe.
With this pandemic, air has to be circulated. When we leave our homes, we have to wear masks which makes breathing difficult so when we come home, then surely, we need some fresh air. We need to breathe at home.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) wanted me to trap the bird but I was not in favour of this; as I was told that the trapped bird/s would be culled.
The solution is to grow smaller trees or cut down the bigger trees to smaller ones so that these hungry birds who rest at the trees at night will not enter flats and dirty them.
We cannot stop redevelopment or religious practices, but we take proactive measures to ensure that we all live in a safe, healthy and conducive environment – to experience better days.
I look forward to your support and reply. Do give me an interim response if it’s going to take some time to study my proposal.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Raymond Anthony Fernando
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