I REFER to the letter headlined, ''No escaping jack-hammer hell'' (South China Morning Post, March 13).
All roadworks are required to comply with the Noise Control Ordinance.
For normal roadworks, the use of mechanical plants is prohibited during restricted hours, that is, public holidays or at night, except with the approval of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD).
For emergency works carried out in restricted hours, the roadwork undertaker has to use the quietest equipment under the circumstances and to notify EPD and the police as soon as possible.
The work being carried out outside the house at No 5 Seymour Road on March 7, were emergency works to repair a cable fault by the Hongkong Electric Co Ltd (HEC).
The jack-hammering activity by HEC that morning unfortunately disturbed residents in Seymour Road.