Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1141804
10 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 JULY 2019 JAMES DEBONO THE Environment and Re- sources Authority is calling for the downsizing of redevelop- ment plans of the Ramla Bay Resort, in Mellieha. Holden Developments will increase the floor area from the present 48,000sq.m to 63,000sq.m, with the addition of two storeys over the existing hotel's height, reaching seven floors, the same as the heart- shaped structure built in 2016. The 405-room hotel project, which carries the signature of architect Ray Demicoli, prom- ises "a permanent attractive landmark at Malta's northern tip", the developers said. This second phase of the ho- tel's redevelopment has been designed to "blend seamlessly" into the 2016 structure, with an atrium as a main entrance, to be filled with dense vegetation and roofed over in a translucent structure. But the ERA has raised con- cern over the intensified mass- ing of the development, par- ticularly over the cumulative landscape impacts from the first phase. "Revised plans re- flecting effective downscaling of the development for Phase 2 should be submitted," the ERA said. The ERA wants the develop- ment to be contained within the delineated site area, with no overspill outside development zones, after a site inspection indicated spillover onto ODZ land. The ERA has also asked for a plan to restore this area back to its pristine state. In 2016, the Planning Author- ity approved Ramla's heart- shaped extension on the merits of its "iconic architecture as a permanent attractive land- mark". The extension replaced 45 apartments with 100 apart- ments through a seven-storey structure. But NGOs com- plained on the visual impact, especially when viewed from the Comino ferry and the rocky foreshore along Triq il-Marfa. NEWS LAURA CALLEJA AS temperatures rise in the stifling months of July and August, it is important to be aware of how much sun one gets to avoid heat-related ill- nesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Prevention is the first step in keeping safe and healthy through the killer summer months. Charmaine Gauci, Superin- tendent of Public Health, told MaltaToday that certain peo- ple are at a greater risk than others: they include the elder- ly, babies and children aged up to four, and those suffering from chronic conditions such as heat and lung problems, high blood pressure, liver and kidney diseases. "People on medication are also more at risk from the ef- fects of heat, as well as those who suffer from mobility problems," he said. In order to minimise health risks during the hot summer months' people should take the necessary precautions. "Staying hydrated, is especially important during the summer months. It's best to drink plain cool water, and avoid coffee, tea and alcohol as they tend to dehydrate." Gauci said it is particularly important to check in on the elderly, to make sure they're consuming enough water dur- ing the summer months. "As we get older, we develop de- creased sensation in thirst. As such elderly persons might not realise they're not getting enough liquids, and need to be reminded," she said. It is also important to eat light and regular meals. "In the summer, it's better to avoid hot food such as soups unless it's something like gazpacho or other similar cool dishes." Naturally, wearing appropri- ate clothing during the sum- mer months, preferable those that are loose-fitting, is rec- ommended. "It's best to wear light-coloured clothes that cover as much skin as possi- ble, and when going outdoors wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses." One should also check their skin for changing patterns of freckles regularly. "The ear- lier doctors catch can- cerous freckles, the better the survival rate… if persons notice that their freckles or moles have changed in pattern, size, or begin to bleed they should visit a doctor immediately." Outdoors, persons should also be wearing sunblock, with a factor of at least 30+. Chil- dren should be kept inside when possible during the hot- test parts of the day between 12pm and 2.30pm. "In Malta, we have both UVA and UVB, which can cause a tremendous amount of damage to the skin. UV can build over time, es- pecially in children, and can lead to cancer later in life," she said. Gauci recommended not going to the beach for full days. It is also imperative not to leave children or animals in- side hot cars, as it could lead to death. Gauci said a child's body heats up three to five times faster than an adult's body. "Children have a lot of body surface area that absorbs heat, and t h e i r b o d i e s h a v e not yet devel- Enjoy summer, stay healthy Experts' advice that bears reminding ERA wants downsized Ramla The new Ramla hotel, as it will look upon completion of its second phase