Relief in sight for families hit by construction noise

MPs seek tougher rules on noisy public works

TDT | Manama

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Sleepless nights, shattered mornings and constant noise from road and utility works have become an unwelcome reality for many families living near construction sites, lawmakers say as they push for tighter controls on contractors.

A proposal submitted to Parliament would bar noisy public works before 7am on working days and 8am on public holidays, while requiring all work to end by 8pm.

The proposed rules would apply to road excavation, drainage, water, electricity and other public utility projects carried out close to residential areas.

Emergency repairs following water or power outages would be exempt, while existing summer restrictions on outdoor work during the hottest hours would remain in force.

MPs Bader Al Tameemi, Abdullah Al Dhaen, Ali Al Nuaimi, Ali Saqer Al Doseri and Hisham Al Awadhi tabled the proposal.

The MPs said the lack of clear working-hour limits had allowed contractors to carry out drilling, excavation and other noisy activities at unsuitable hours, disrupting the lives of nearby residents. They said patients, older people and families with young children were among those most affected.

They argued that setting fixed working hours would reduce unnecessary disturbance, protect residents’ quality of life and provide contractors with clear operating rules.

The proposal cites Articles 3 and 19 of the Municipalities Law, issued under Decree-Law No. 35 of 2001, which empower municipalities to regulate local public services and allow municipal councils to propose rules governing roads, water, sewage, street lighting and other public works.

The MPs said those provisions also give councils the authority to regulate the hours during which public works are carried out near residential areas.