Dubai: Round-the-clock excavation work for the Dubai Metro project in Karama and Bur Dubai is keeping people awake at night, residents complain.
A reader who lives near the President Hotel in Karama said the whole block of apartments nearby is "tortured" by the heavy machinery noise, which starts at midnight and continues until four in the morning. He said his children are suffering from lack of sleep.
"I am excited about the Metro project as it would help ease congestion on the roads," said Waqas Mahmoud. But, he said, the ground-shaking noise must be beyond the normal limits. "The RTA [Road Transport Authority] needs to carry out sound testing on the project site," he said in a letter.
RTA notes in its website that it has initiated a noise abatement programme. But it points out that it has addressed the effects on road traffic noise.
It says that if the noise level is over 65 decibels during the day or 60 decibels during the night, action would be taken. It does not mention any action over road work.
Mahmoud said he has complained many times to Dubai Police and RTA.
A front desk manager of a hotel near Bur Juman also said many of the hotel guests have complained of the late night noise. "The noise is too much in the night but some guests understand when we say it is for the Metro," he said.
Elsewhere, in the Dubai Marina area, resident Rima Salem, from Jordan, said she was driven crazy by the construction of the towers.
"Nobody cares about the noise they are making. Nobody will stop them. I haven't been able to sleep for six months. I have bought my flat and it is not easy to leave," she said.
According to a Emaar spokesperson, Dubai Municipality rules apply to contractors of the various developers working in the Dubai Marina development and should be strictly adhered to regarding noise and pollution.
Emaar also maintains a number of inspectors at Dubai Marina to monitor ongoing work and any violation observed is brought to the notice of the developer as well as the concerned authority, said the spokesperson.
According to the regulations, noise levels should not exceed 55 decibels from 7am to 8pm, and 45 decibels from 8pm to 7am.
Night time construction is allowed according to the Ministry of Labour as long as noise pollution limits are not exceeded.
According to the municipality, an emergency office is open 24 hours a day for complaints and queries.
"You must call us at the time that the noise is going on and we will send someone to check," said the call attendant.
The Municipal emergency numbers to call or fax are: Tel: 04 - 2232323; Fax: 04 - 2232230.
