I refer to the recent public statements made by both the Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) and the Chamber of Geologists whereby, concerning the Paceville collapse site, the latter had expressed its grave concern about the tragic collapse, saying that it was linked to the failure to implement the Jean Paul Sofia report, while noting that the BCA continued to refuse to recognise the Chamber as a stakeholder of the building and construction industry and has repeatedly denied the Chamber membership on its Building and Construction Consultative Council.
The KTP was quick to reiterate that there was no evidence of excavation work having been conducted, urging all stakeholders to exercise restraint and caution when making public statements about such incidents without first-hand knowledge of the facts.
Regrettably, this seems to have created an unwarranted tension between two entities that, rather than get embroiled in unnecessary controversies, should co-operate and co-ordinate matters and logistics to possibly ensure that no building site incidents of different proportions that we have been lately witnessing occur again.
It's best if geologists and architects collaborate to ensure safe, sustainable and contextually appropriate building and infrastructure projects. Geologists provide crucial information about the ground conditions, potential hazards and available resources, while architects integrate this knowledge into their designs. This relationship is vital for informed decision-making in construction and urban planning.
Upping the fight against domestic violence
I wish to publicly commend the initiative taken by the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Law Enforcement and the Office for Reforms and Equality, and, in particular, Minister Byron Camilleri, for the introduction of a new panic alarm system that should go a long way in fighting our runaway domestic violence incidence, even though it may have been a bit too late in the day.
In fact, for example, as far back as 2013, Brazil, one of the worst countries in the hemisphere in measures of abuse of women, had already tried out this innovative way to fight back against the problem. The result was a remarkable lowering of domestic violence incidence. Today, other countries around the world have taken the lead in utilising such a small electronic device which, in itself, is a giant leap in effectively confronting the multiple challenges posed by domestic violence.
Up to not long ago, the authorities weren't able to help victims once the doors to their homes were closed, when their aggressors were their partners, ex-partners or other family members. Today, we can change that if the technological tools available are properly, timely and intelligently made use of.
I end by highlighting a few possible downsides to panic alarm buttons that one might encounter and that have already been experienced abroad.
The type of buttons that will be used will be wireless, relying on batteries, but if the battery dies or is low, these will be useless. Moreover, relying on Bluetooth or other wireless connections can be unreliable or have limited range.
Finally, false activations of wireless panic alarm buttons can indeed lead to embarrassment, particularly in situations where the alarm is triggered unintentionally, causing unnecessary disruption and attention.
This can stem from various factors like accidental presses, inadequate training, or faulty equipment. The resulting embarrassment can be a significant deterrent to using the panic button when it's genuinely needed, potentially delaying crucial responses in emergencies.
Emulating Japanese energy production
What if the simple act of walking could also produce electricity?
Japan, globally recognised for its leadership in technological innovation, is once again setting trends with the implementation of piezoelectric floors in public spaces.
Since 2008, Japan has been using a unique form of green energy production: piezoelectric sidewalks that generate electricity from footsteps. These installations have proven successful in turning kinetic energy into usable power.
It basically involves generating electricity from human movement, particularly footsteps, in public areas. It is done by installing piezoelectric materials in floors, sidewalks, and other high-traffic locations, converting mechanical pressure from walking into electricity. This technology has long been implemented in areas like Shibuya train station and other busy urban locations.
As the need for clean energy grows, a key question would be: could the simple act of walking help power our island in the future?
As people step on the tiles, the mechanical pressure of their footfalls generates a tiny amount of electricity. That energy can be stored in a battery or used to power another system.
Small piezoelectric units are installed under the walking surface so they can capture the movement of each footstep. The precise amount of energy generated for each tile depends on the person's weight and walking speed.
Daily, clean energy can be produced by installing such units in areas with high levels of foot traffic and pedestrian flow, such as long, busy main streets like Republic Street in Valletta, sidewalks, shopping malls, the airport and heavily used jogging areas.
During massive events like festivals, Japan has also implemented temporary piezoelectric surfaces to power sound equipment or lights, reducing the use of traditional generators and decreasing environmental impact. This new and innovative idea is turning ordinary footfalls into a precious source of clean energy. Piezoelectricity is the technology behind this exceptional process, which has the potential to transform the way we think about renewable energy and also contribute to a healthy environment.
The Japanese experience in this field can serve as a reference for Malta in seeking innovative energy solutions.
Dr. Mark Said is a lawyer.