I live in an apartment building in the Al Mamzar area of Dubai. As I work at the airport, I often return home late at night or in the afternoon, and look forward to a good sleep.
However, over the past few months, I have found that this is just not possible. The corridor outside my apartment is like a Formula One racetrack. Children insist on playing there at all times of the day — even at 8am on Friday.
The noise they generate is so loud, it is as if they are screaming and yelling in my own home. Parents just do not seem bothered about the situation and refuse to control their children. Often, they are out working and they leave their nannies or house-help in charge. Needless to say, the children do not listen to them, either.
Although I have complained to the building management many times, there is nothing they can do except tell the children to go back indoors. A few minutes pass by and they are out again, creating havoc.
There are 12 apartments on my floor and several of my neighbours are fed up. My daughter could not concentrate on studying for her examinations and it is affecting me on a medical level, too.
My doctor has told me my migraines and headaches are a result of lack of sleep and stress — a direct consequence of these children's activities.
I do not want to have to call the police, because they are young after all, and need to play. But it is highly unfair that parents' inaction is causing us to suffer. We pay exorbitant rents for our homes and it is a reasonable request for some peace and quiet.
Our homes are supposed to be our sanctuary. But if this continues, I see no reason to remain in this building and I am seriously considering vacating.
But is this the only choice people like me have?
Would the authorities find a way to monitor such situations and reduce this kind of noise pollution?
The reader lives in Dubai.
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