Noise pollution is fuelling anger and rendering residents prisoners in their own homes, ADPD said on Saturday, as it criticised the government for doing nothing about the detrimental effects of the entertainment sectors in residential areas.

Those who have money and contacts can act with impunity, while the rest are victims to a system that fails to protect them. Lack of foresight is becoming the norm especially where profit is to be made, Green Party chairperson Sandra Gauci told a news conference in Valletta, whose residents have been at the receiving end. 

“It is evident that the right of the residents to peace of mind and enjoyment of their home is being eroded at a rapid rate," she said.

Marcus Lauri, ADPD spokesperson, said a lack of enforcement has led to noise disturbances plaguing the city from early evening until the early hours of the morning, ignoring regulations. 

While spot-checks are being conducted on entertainment venues at closing time, it is the customers themselves that are a source of noise pollution, and the police must intervene to ensure this stops.

Construction works during the day is adding to noise pollution.

ADPD noted it has addressed these complaints repeatedly in the past years and yet the problem persists in various localities, especially in the summer months, along the coast.

Among these establishments causing great inconvenience is the 'Bora Bora' establishment in St Paul's Bay, which is impacting a residential area in Triq il-Kaħli and the surrounding streets, ADPD said.

The Green Party noted other related problems, including the encroachment of tables and chairs of commercial establishments on pavements.

Lack of action and inadequate planning means trust in the authorities continues to erode, becoming a "David versus Goliath struggle”.