Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/234240
36 Events maltatoday, Sunday, 29 December 2013 Tonnes of illegally dumped material removed from Delimara Enforcement action commenced on Thursday at a site in the area known as Il-Ponta ta' Delimara, where, over the years multiple illegalities were carried out which compromised the sensitivity of the site. In the direct action operation, MEPA's enforcement officers removed over 23 large truckloads of illegally dumped material and scrap among other things. The truck loads of dumped material were removed from two different parts of this large site. One was close to the historic Delimara Lighthouse, whilst the other area accommodated a series of very large trapping facilities that had been illegally formed by dumping over the natural terrain. Three rooms, used mainly for bird-trapping and hunting purposes, which were in this part of the site, were also demolished. The site covers an area of 30,000 square meters, more than 26 tumoli, and spans from next to the Delimara Lighthouse down towards the tip of the Delimara peninsula. The site lies within an area scheduled as an Area of High Landscape Value and Area of Ecological Importance (AEI) for Coastal and Cliff communities. In the past, the British military had also used it as an antiaircraft installation and old photos show a number of AA gun positions within this area. In May 2002, at this same site, enforcement action had already been taken whereby illegal dumped and scrap material together with a number of vehicles had been removed. The occupant has however persisted in his illegal activities and has even constructed a residential unit on the site. While back in 2002, the costs of the direct action operation were billed to the Lands Department as the land owner, this time round, following amendments to the law, the occupant of the site will be made to cover the costs of the enforcement action. The Authority's Enforcement Directorate was keeping the Government Property Division abreast of this action. In early evening after direct actions for the day had terminated, the Authority was notified that a prohibitory injunction that was presented to the Courts by the contravenors' lawyer to stop any further direct action on site. MEPA's enforcement personnel were assisted by the ALE Section of the Police, headed by Inspector Ramon Mercieca. More actions are being planned for the coming days and a number of contravenors have been advised that direct action by the Authority's Enforcement Directorate is imminent unless they seriously start complying with the Enforcement Orders levied on them. Unique, artistic bathroom products from Body Gourmet Body Gourmet is a local range of body products made by Doriette Hannaford, a qualified soap maker and hair and beauty therapist. She makes all the products herself without the use of machinery and only sells locally to ensure that whoever buys a bar of soap knows the source and gets correct information from the actual maker. Unfortunately nowadays anyone can buy products through internet, but what people don't know is that most products sold in large quantities are factory made and contain preservatives. Their soaps are made by using both the traditional cold process method and a modern technique called MP where glycerine is used. Their products vary from herbal and all natural, vegan, fragranced, and artistic so that they can apply to each person individually. "I love how I can make a simple bar of soap shine and look artistic. It is important to give an artistic approach to whatever I make, it just adds value and character to a product," Hannaford said. Body Gourmet produce relaxing bath salts and soaks, bath melts, body lotions and balms, bars of soap, facial masks and much more. However their specialty remains handmade soaps made by using local produce such as honey, milk, aloe, fennel, beeswax and more. They also provide a personal service where one can order a custom made product in any scent, texture, shape and form for personal use or for party favours. Visit www.bodygourmetmalta.netor or search for them on Facebook ('Bodygourmet Malta') The Drink Drive Campaign 2013 launched by government Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca (left) and Godfrey Farrugia (centre) Four ministers, together with entities from various NGO's came together to launch an annual campaign against drinking and driving. The campaign is announced each year in a bid to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol. While thanking those present at the conference – which took place on 16 December – Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia said that the campaign is yet another example of the government's continuing bid to ensure that all of its initiatives are taken on behalf of the Maltese and Gozitan citizens, with a "whole government and whole society approach". Farrugia added that, sadly, certain individuals continue to drive after having consumed an excessive amount of alcohol, despite campaigns of this kind. For this reason, Farrugia said, the Ministry has ensured that both the Health Centres across the island as well as Mater Dei Hospital will be equipped to deal with these cases. Farrugia reminded those present that it is not only those who drink and drive who are a danger to themselves and others – this also counts for those who mix alcohol with medicines. Minister for Family and Social Solidarity Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca explained that alcohol can have adverse effects on one's life in many different ways, which is why government is making an effort to address this prob- lem in the most effective way possible. Preca emphasised the need for prevention campaigns, making reference to a statistic which emerged from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) which shows how, during 2011, the rate of alcohol consumption amongst youths aged 16 was higher than the European average. Preca also said that National Policy on Alcohol is currently being drafted and will be open to public consultation once it's completed. Charmaine Gauci, Director for the Promotion of Health and Illness Prevention spoke about the importance of finding alternative driving arrangements while going out during the holiday season. Gauci said that despite the warnings issued by this campaign, drinking should not only be considered a problem during the holiday season, but that excessive alcohol consumption is a problem throughout the entire year. Also present during the conference were representatives from Home Affairs and Transport ministries, as well as representatives from the Police Corps, the Civil Protection Department, the Emergency Department of Mater Dei Hospital, Sedqa, Transport Malta, the Superintendent for Public Health, as well as the Touring Club (Malta) – all of whom contributed their own messages to strengthen the purpose of the campaign.