Monday, Aug 11, 2008
Sharjah: Companies that continue to work after 10pm at construction sites will be fined a minimum of Dh5,000, a top Sharjah municipality official said on Saturday.
Abdullah Shweik, head of public relations at the civic body, said they had been receiving several complaints on the hotline from residents living near construction sites regarding noise pollution. They said they were unable to get a good night's sleep.
"Our inspectors are keeping a close watch for violators who will be issued a warning but if that fails, fines will be issued. These fines will increase depending on the number and the kind of violations that are being committed. Construction can also be completely stopped," he said.
He said all work at construction sites, with the exception of pouring concrete would be strictly monitored.
"Work at construction sites located in residential areas should be stopped after 10pm until 6am. But it is impossible to get concrete pouring work done during the day because of the heat, so this will be allowed after dark.
"We have been receiving numerous complaints about construction sites carrying out work banned after dark," said Shweik.
He said construction sites that are not located near residential areas can continue with their construction activities even after dark, provided they get clearance from the civic body.
Workers at construction sites said they preferred to work in the daylight as there is more chance of an accident occurring if work is carried out under fluorescent lighting, while site supervisors and engineers said they are racing against time to get projects completed.
Zahid, who carries out welding work at a construction site in Al Nahda said he found it quite difficult to work under artificial lights.
"It's not the same as working under natural lights," he said.
He said complaints about working after dark have fallen on deaf ears.
Abdul Hakim, a Bangladeshi construction worker from a site in Al Qassimiya, said he often came across residents complaining about noise pollution to his site supervisor.
"The site supervisor cannot do anything. He is just carrying out orders given to him by his seniors."
A site supervisor who did not want to be named said one of the main reasons for companies to continue with their noisy construction activities after sunset is the urgency to complete particular projects. The companies are taking on more projects than they can cope with," he said.
By Sunita Menon
Gulf News 2008. All rights reserved.
