Who? What? Now!?

Renovations are not that large an economic contributor east of the south of the Sahara, much less residential renovation. Not that I am claiming to be an authority on matters construction by any stretch of the imagination. However, a homeowner/tenant takes a few liberties to make their house acquire a homely ambience.

As such, a visit to congratulate my aunt on the birth of her baby girl coincided with a minor welding job. For one to elevate the habitability of a home with the arrival of a newborn is not uncommon. And the expectations were that the welders would take approximately 8 hours daily, for three days until the conclusion of their undertaking.

Sparking and crackling as metal melded together was bearable. The grinding down of spatters, hammering of the steel bars for alignment) important practices for a good finish (none of us were ready for! The fact that this carries on after-hours was most agitating.

Me: Knock knock?

Them: Who’s there?

Me: Pissin’

Them: Pissin’ who?

Me: Pissin’ everyone in this neighbourhood off with that horrendous Clang! Clang! Clang!

…is the conversation we’d have had if my mother conveniently forgot to teach me any manners.

Noise pollution comes in many ways and waves often causing different levels of stress. I was particularly dealing with three. Getting the baby to fall asleep, keeping her in a continued state of subconscious rest and comprehending Reddington’s dialogue on the season finale of the Blacklist without increasing the volume to a baby-waking decibel. Fortunately, the little angel was a dream to babysit -probably in a dream too. But what of those whose children have colic and are much harder to lull? What about those who were trying to work from home?

With all these questions was the realisation that the experience would be better appreciated had the trades industry been formalised to some extent. The process might include: taking down the gate, installing a temporary screen in its place, refurbishing the gate in their workshop (where standards such as appropriate PPE -eyewear to curb the radiance, earplugs for that atrocious clanging, heat resistant jacket, gloves and boots to protect against burns- and fire extinguishers. The premises would also possess soundproofing elements, ameliorating our discomfort while preserving their long term well-being. And lastly, re-installing the gate which would take a fraction of the clock. The hardworking men were less culpable in the end.

Originally published at https://ourrudeempath.blogspot.com on April 22, 2020.