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Gulf News looks back over the years at concerns and issues raised by readers in their letters to the newspaper. It's a retrospective that offers an insight into the community, the development of the country and the paper's journey. This week's letters are from 1980.
Lowering costs
I wish to express our gratitude to the Abu Dhabi authorities for reducing the electricity rates by five fils per unit for all houses occupied by non-citizens in the capital. This will ease the burden of the high cost of living. This gesture in appreciation of the contribution of non-citizens to the development of the UAE will encourage them to give their best for the progress of the UAE.
From Mr Sunder Rajmoorthy
Abu Dhabi
Quicker results
While thanking the authorities and all the staff concerned for the excellent services provided by hospitals, I would like to place before them an aspect that needs attention. There are no complaints as far as the services of doctors and nurses are concerned but if the support services of the laboratory could be streamlined, the efficiency of the total service would be enhanced. The laboratory at the Rashid Hospital, Bur Dubai, takes about four days to give a report on a urine or blood sample. If these vital reports are given more expeditiously, at least in urgent cases, it will enable doctors to diagnose cases without delay.
From Mr Maqsood Esmail
Dubai
Saving energy
The UAE government's decision to establish an energy commission is timely and wise. The first task of the new commission, in my opinion, should be to explore ways to conserve energy. The deficiencies in construction designs have made most residential quarters consume energy heavily. To solve this problem large sums of money will be needed but in the long run it's a worthwhile investment.
From Mr Abdul Rahman
Dubai
Never forget
Whoever wins the US presidential elections is no big deal for us. What we care about more than Jimmy Carter or Ronald Reagan is the US policy. For years, Zionists have been influencing American policy in the Middle East. But one day the American people will wake up and find that their future lies very much with the Middle East and not Europe. It's a pity that the US media, controlled by the Zionists, is picturing the Middle East in a biased way so as to dupe the American people into supporting the Zionist entity called Israel. The world must not forget that Palestine belongs to the Palestinians and no American president can deny that, for Palestine cannot die.
From Mr Abu Bakr
Dubai
Wasting energy
The news report on the energy conservation seminar organised by Sheffield Insulations held in May, has prompted me to express our experiences in this matter. This is a very important aspect that should be given more attention. The doors and windows in some of the apartments here are not properly fitted and insulated. This causes a constant loss of energy. The air conditioners do not function effectively because of the continuous flow of hot air through the gaps in doors and windows. People have to bear the cost of this terrible waste of energy. We should be able to save at least one third of our expenditure on electricity if doors and windows were properly insulated.
From Mr Tony Hassan
Dubai
Diplomacy
Indira Gandhi's government seems to be relying too much on military strength to solve its internal problems. But the events in Assam have proven that it is not possible to suppress feelings and problems with bayonets. Also, Assam is not an isolated issue. There are many states that pose problems to the government, which has socio-economic implications. I think it is high time that the Indian government called for a national referendum to solve these problems.
From Ms Lai Bannerji
Dubai
Good move
The Dubai Municipality's decision to demolish the ramshackle colony in Al Qusais, mostly inhabited by illegal immigrants, is worthy of praise. This shantytown is a health hazard. It is an eyesore.
From Mr Rampai Moorthy
Dubai
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