We are enduring and suffering every day and every night, without end. Several times every night!
This letter is written at 05:00 because of indescribable fury, but moreover helplessness. It is impossible to fall asleep, expecting the next destructive disturbance. Excessive, abnormal, unacceptable, unbearable disturbance!
Transnet freight trains . . . the cause. Massive noise from brakes, metal on metal, measured up to 99 dB; or trains speeding through, up to 82 dB; or carriages slamming into each other, and more.
Internationally accepted noise levels are 45 dB in residential areas. Every 3 dB increase is a doubling of sound level, due to a logarithmic scale which applies.
It is a long line (over 800 km) from the Northern Cape to harbours, passing through several towns, stopping, and the rest, resulting in more disgruntled, affected citizens.
We need normal rest, peace and quiet to have normal lives and functionality. This nuisance is making us sick and tired, on a constant basis. So tired during the day that we cannot perform normally. Our rights to normal living and normal health are disregarded. Mental health affects physical health. It cannot continue like this. Property value is also diminished because no one wants to buy a home where normal rest is impossible. We are helpless in this matter.
Our essential needs include water, electricity, and unpolluted living space, but what will you be like without normal sleep, 365 nights a year?
We get no reply from Transnet, other ministries contacted, the local mayor, board members for local municipality, nor the Northern Cape government.
Please help. Certain things can be done by Transnet to reduce massive noise nuisance.
For example, erect sound reflecting panels along the railway for several kilometres, pay for soundproof windows and soundproofing homes, setting up depots or stops away or out of towns.
It seems the only way forward is through legal means, based on negligence.
