By Nicolette Scrooby

Radon Projects, which is building a high-rise behind the Regent Hotel on the city’s beachfront, has been breaking municipal by-laws by continuing with construction into the night.

This emerged after furious residents staying near the site complained about noise, saying work was starting as early as 6am and, at times, finishing as late as 11pm. They also claimed staff on the site were having parties at night.

Radon Projects’ East London site manager, Braam Theron, promised to look into residents’ concerns.

He confirmed that there had been days when work continued beyond normal working hours.

“We have working hours but, if we are busy pouring concrete, we can’t stop. We normally work until 6pm, but have maybe once or twice worked later.”

Theron, who confirmed they were building a 14-storey hotel, said he was not aware of any partying on site but would look into it.

Elizabeth Court resident Johann Aereboe was still not impressed. “I understand it’s a construction site, but they fire up as early as 6am and go at it over weekends with no regard for anyone.”

Aereboe said not only did work start early but continued “until late in the night”.

“Then they have staff living on the site who get up to all sorts of things. This is not conducive to suburban living. It would be nice if they could consider residents.”

Another resident, Trudie Taylor, said noise from the construction site was “disturbing” and “frustrating”.

“They work through Saturday and Sunday and even some evenings till after 9pm. Sometimes they block off the road with their equipment, big trucks and cement mixers and just expect us to be patient until they move away.”

Resident Previn Natha agreed: “They are working very odd hours and have no concern for people resting over the weekends. It’s inconsiderate.”

According to a Buffalo City municipal by-law “no construction work may be permitted later than 6pm from Monday to Friday and later than 5pm on Saturdays” and “no construction work is permitted to start earlier than 6am”. Also, no noise is permitted during the periods specified which, in the opinion of the local authority, may “unreasonably disturb or interfere with the amenity of the neighbourhood”.

BCM municipal manager Gaster Sharpley called for beachfront residents to “stop complaining”.

“Quigney has transformed into a vibrant commercial hub. While we understand concerns being raised by residents, they must understand that construction is a temporary inconvenience for their own long-term benefit because this development will increase their property value.”

Source: Daily Dispatch