{
  "id": 741161,
  "title": "Sun Xueling announces loan of noise blankets, free earbuds for Punggol residents amid Cross Island Line construction works",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/sun-xueling-announces-loan-of-noise-blankets-free-earbuds-for-punggol",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-13T07:14:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mothership",
    "slug": "mothership",
    "url": "https://mothership.sg/2026/08/free-noise-blankets-earbuds-punggol/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In an effort to alleviate noise disruptions caused by the Cross Island Line construction works in Punggol, local MP Sun Xueling has announced that residents will be able to borrow noise blankets or collect free noise-cancelling earbuds. Sun Xueling made the announcement on Aug. 10 in a Facebook post, acknowledging the significant noise caused by the construction of a diaphragm wall adjacent to Block 308A Punggol Walk. The diaphragm wall, a crucial structural component, protects nearby buildings and roads from collapsing.\n\nTo address the inconvenience, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will provide noise blankets measuring 2m by 1m on loan to residents until the diaphragm wall construction is completed. These blankets can reduce noise levels by between 15 to 17 decibels, although they are quite thick and may block some natural light and airflow. Alternatively, residents can collect free noise-cancelling earbuds from the Waterway Residents Network. Sun Xueling expressed her willingness to receive feedback from residents and assured them that they will work to expedite the completion of the Cross Island Line project.",
  "summary": "The noise is caused by the construction of a diaphragm wall.",
  "key_points": [
    "Sun Xueling announces loan of noise blankets and free earbuds for Punggol residents",
    "Noise blankets reduce noise levels by 15-17 decibels during diaphragm wall construction",
    "Residents can collect free earbuds from Waterway Residents Network until project completion"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The measures offer residents some relief from construction noise, shifting the balance between project progress and community disturbance in favour of local residents' quality of life.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}