Elimination of discarded oil tanks

It was with great pleasure that I read in the newspapers that the discarded oil tanks (among other materials) strewn across our countryside are now been collected and eliminated.

This reminds me of the efforts made in the early 1990s to stop the importation of tar (bitumen) in these tanks which invariably ended up all over Malta and Gozo. The bulk of the 80 gallon tanks were used for the importation of bitumen much needed for the roads.

In conjunction with Attard Services Ltd we developed a system to import bitumen in bulk. At that time I was the chief executive and managing director of Medserv Ltd, which, with its base on Manoel Island, had the right facilities to offer logistical support and handling of such material.

The handling of bitumen carries certain risks. It boils at 525°C while reasonable viscosity is reached at 120°C. The material had to be heated to enable pumping from one container to another.

At such high temperatures there was an inherent risk and danger in its handling and in fact we had our fair share of accidents. Initially, this was imported in 20-foot tank units, later in bulk carriers and pumped ashore until finally, the tarmac operators bought their own bitumen tankers and built silos on their plants.

Thus, we can claim that we had been the power that killed the proverbial spider in an effort to facilitate the use of bitumen and eliminate the ugly rusty tanks scattered all over our islands.

Now the respective authorities are cleaning all the cobwebs by removing the accumulated tanks that had been imported in Malta during the previous periods.

As in many other activities we had faced an uphill battle. All forms of obstacles and objections had been placed in our way.

Even when trying to achieve what is best for the islands, I learnt that there are always a few who through ignorance, envy, hatred, spite, jealousy or personal pique would be ready to put spokes in the wheels.

As always I had fought for my beliefs and thank God that through sheer perseverance I 1had done my bit for the environment. It is interesting to note that bitumen has been in use for more than 40,000 years as waterproof material of boats and buildings.

It was used in the walls of Babylon and Carthage which explains why this latter city had burnt so easily.

It was used by the Egyptians in the embalming of mummies and is mentioned in the Bible, firstly in the building of the Ark by Noah who followed God's orders to cover the ark by bitumen, both on the inside and outside.

Reference is also made in Exodus as the reed basket in which the baby Moses had been placed had also been waterproofed by tar.

Thus, when anyone is enjoying a smooth ride on new tarmac roads, remember that life had not always been that easy. Do not grumble about a few bumps, until the mid 20th century roads (even city streets) were mainly of compacted earth and only a few streets had a light coating of asphalt spread unevenly to control the dust.