Cape Town Residents Petition Against Night-Time Parliament Reconstruction Noise

In Cape Town, a city known for its robust beauty and tranquil landscapes, the sounds of continuous construction have become a new, unwelcome feature for some residents. Following the arson that damaged the National Assembly and the Old Assembly on January 2, 2022, the area near Parliament has been a site of relentless reconstruction noise disturbing the peace of nearby communities, specifically the residents of St Martini Gardens.

The restoration, mandated after Zandile Mafe's destructive act last year, is being funded with a hefty R2 billion from the National Treasury, supplemented by an additional R118 million for unforeseen costs, incorporating impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic. The Development Bank of South Africa is spearheading the project, which involves extensive refurbishments and preparations for the MPs' return.

However, the necessary rebuilding efforts have come at a significant cost to local residents' quality of life. Construction activities, predominantly taking place from midnight to 4 am over the past month, have led to sleep deprivation among the citizens living adjacent to the Parliament. As a result, a concerned resident anonymously initiated a petition to address the unannounced disruption, which has severely impacted local accommodations and businesses.

According to Daily Maverick, the night-time construction, which has not ceased for the holiday season, prompted numerous cancellations from both long-term renters and short-term guests from platforms like Airbnb, as voiced by both the initiator of the petition and fellow resident Tersia Erasmus. Despite recent shifts to daytime construction, the community remains wary of potential unannounced night work resuming.

Local officials have somewhat dismissed the residents' complaints, citing the state’s exemption from national building regulations concerning noise and work hours. This stance led to frustrations over the lack of prior communication and misalignment with community needs, as officials only promised improvements in communication following persistent resident backlash.

This tension highlights the broader implications of urban development projects, especially in residential areas, and the balance that needs to be maintained between progress and public welfare.

Despite assurances from Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo, who emphasized a commitment to improved notice of construction activities, residents like Erasmus remain skeptical. They advocate for advanced notification and detailed schedules of forthcoming construction events, ensuring transparency and community preparedness.

As the reconstruction work extends into expected completion in 2026, the collective voice of the St Martini Gardens' community might herald new norms in how such significant undertakings harmonize progress with residents' rights to peaceful living.

### Location: Cape Town, South Africa

### Longitude: 18.4167

### Latitude: -33.9258

### Category: Local News, Construction

### meta_title: Community Response to Night-Time Construction Noise Amid Parliament Rebuilding in Cape Town

### meta_description: Cape Town residents near Parliament have started a petition against disruptive night-time construction noise. Learn about the ongoing $2 billion reconstruction after the 2022 fire and how it affects local lives.

### meta_keywords: Cape Town Parliament construction, Parliament fire reconstruction, Cape Town local news, St Martini Gardens residents, Cape Town construction noise complaint, Development Bank of South Africa Parliament project, National Treasury funding Parliament