Gautrain noise won't disturb

Pretoria residents living adjacent to the Gautrain route should not be concerned about the level of noise as construction on the Gautrain intensifies in the area.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bombela Concession said residents of Pretoria, Centurion and Hatfield should be assured that the levels of noise will be monitored on a daily basis to minimise the inconvenience caused.

"Noise measurements are taken at strategic points around construction sites.

"These sensitive receivers scientifically monitor the noise caused by drilling, demolition and the movement of construction vehicles."

Daily records are checked by environmental specialists to ensure that the noise levels do not exceed the average standard for a particular area.

Apart from daily routine monitoring, independent environmentalists are reported to perform random spot checks to verify results.

Before any construction started, baseline studies were carried out to establish the standard noise levels in an area according to Bombela.

The pre-construction results will now be used as a benchmark in order to establish if noise levels have increased since construction has started.

There are approximately 18 monitoring points throughout the Pretoria section of the Gautrain and readings are taken daily between 6am and 10pm.

When working at night, readings are taken between 10pm and 6am.

According to the statement, the blasting of surface rock will not take place in the evenings when residents want to enjoy a quiet time at their respective homes.

"Blasting involves the removal of rock by using explosives which are detonated.

"It causes the ground to vibrate and this could damage surrounding buildings if the process is not carefully executed."

Some of the construction sites are also fenced off with panels which are up to three metres high.

Noise prevention also involves the effective use of electronic devices which generate a low pitch siren which eliminate the high-pitched beeps that can be heard when construction vehicles are at work.

Should residents still experience above average noise levels, they are advised to call the Gautrain call centre toll-free on 011 428 87 246. Special noise investigations will be conducted if it is required.

All these measures are in line with the requirements of a Draft Final Environmental Management Plan that ensures that communities and natural resources are protected during the construction of Gautrain.

The entire Gautrain project will be completed in two phases, the first of which will take 45 months to complete.

This phase includes the network between the OR Tambo Airport and Sandton, Rhodesfield, Marlboro together with the depot and operations control centre situated near Allandale road.

The second phase, which will be completed in 54 months towards 2011, includes the remainder of the rail network and stations linking Sandton to Johannesburg Park station and the route from Midrand to Hatfield. – Nthambeleni Gabara, BuaNews

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