Construction Noises Affecting Punggol Sec

Ever since the construction start of Punggol Vista in June 08, a new development of Housing Board Build-to-order (BTO) flats that is scheduled for completion in in the second-quarter of 2011, students of Punggol Secondary School, which is located next to the site, are finding are to concentrate in class. Noise from the metal-piling are bringing a lot of worries espcially on those taking "O" & "N" level this year. They feared that they could affect their performance in the upcoming examinations.

While the school has taken active steps to reduce the noise levels, including asking the construction company to install quieter piling rigs, the students are still worried that the noise will persist and make it hard for them to study.

The school contacted the National Environment Agency and a noise meter was installed to monitor the noise. If the noise goes beyond a certain level, the construction company will be fined.

Findings also shown that, the bulk of the noisy construction work was coming from two noisy piling rigs. After discussion, the two rigs were relocated further away from the school as a longer-term solution. The construction company also replaced the noisy piling rigs with quieter 'butterfly buckets'. The school noted a significant reduction in noise level since 4th Aug. Kay Lim has also agreed to suspend work during the N-level listening comprehension, in September.

Four more HDB BTO flats - Punggol Lodge, Damai Grove, Punggol Spring and Punggol Spring - are set to come up in the area over the next few years, and they will be close to the school. The school might asked about the possibility of relocating to a holding school. They will be meeting the Ministry of Education to further discuss the matter and to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the students.