Opinions | Letters
July 9, 2008
Letters to the Editor.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:07 July 9, 2008
Wrong timing
Every morning, I am often frustrated while trying to enter Jebel Ali Free Zone, due to the long queue, I have to wait at the exit from Shaikh Zayed Road. It is even more infuriating when so-called 'expert' motorists cut in, right at the very end of the queue. Recently, the traffic at the World Trade Centre roundabout was worse than usual, and I assumed it was because of an accident. However, on reaching the roundabout, I discovered that the congestion was due to some workers painting the pavement. Does such work have to be done during peak traffic rush hour?
From Mr Santhosh Jenvi
Dubai
Raising alarm
A few weeks ago, Gulf News had reported on its front page that the Arctic Circle is in danger of excessive melting this year. The report predicts that the Arctic ice is thin, but is it really thinner than usual for this time of the year? I agree that we should be protecting the environment, but I feel the report is simply causing an alarm at the expense of accuracy.
From Mr Ben O'Regan
Dubai
Make a difference
When the new C1 bus service was introduced in Dubai, it was seen as advancement in terms of better public transport facilities. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that each bus could carry 100 passengers, which would in turn make a difference to commuters. I started using the C1 bus service to work, leaving my car at home. A while later, it became impossible to get on any C1 bus as they stopped taking 'standing' passengers. These buses are designed to take a large number of standing passengers as they have a limited number of seats, so disallowing passengers to stand doesn't make sense.
From Mr Jeymer Hareo
Dubai
Hand over
While Abu Dhabi has already introduced a free bus service, the public transport scene in Sharjah continues to be the same. People wait endless hours for a taxi, which is next to impossible considering how terribly hot the weather is nowadays. If Sharjah transport service cannot resolve the issue, they should hand over the responsibility to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
From Mr T. K. Mohandas
Sharjah
Route maps, please
The free bus service introduced in Abu Dhabi is plying on different routes. Though there are posters displayed at each bus stop it is very difficult to read the details as the print is very small. Additionally the routes are unclear from the details mentioned at the entrance of the buses. It would be better if a detailed route map could be published for the benefit of regular bus commuters.
From Mr V. P. Abraham
Abu Dhabi
Odd cases
We should not generalise the Salik issues based on some odd cases where the response is delayed. I had been charged with two Salik fines, even though I have never crossed a Salik tollgate. I was a bit worried after reading the article in Gulf News regarding the Salik discrepancies and the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) delayed response in solving the disputes. However, after lodging a complaint with the RTA, I got my case resolved within four days.
From Mr Ranjith P.
Dubai
Fixed rent
Though the government is doing everything it can to control rent ceiling, most of the time greedy landlords circumvent the laws. In order to impose a 100 to 200 per cent rent increase, some landlords force tenants to vacate the building by giving flimsy excuses. In most cases, landlords say the building is due for renovation. They later rent out apartments to new tenants at a higher rent and charge key money from them. The authorities should take necessary action to curb such practices by fixing a maximum rent for different types of apartments. Earlier, a two-bedroom apartment in Abu Dhabi would cost Dh24,000. Now, the rents in the same building vary from apartment to apartment.
From Mr Ravi Kumar
Abu Dhabi
Prevention is better
The recent decree asking visitors to the UAE to undergo compulsory tests for a range of diseases is a huge task ("Neonatal screening vital, says Ministry of Health," Gulf News, July 1). However, if accomplished in a manner that is both effective and efficient, it lays the foundations for it to be expanded across the population and for a larger spectrum of medical conditions. Health screening isn't new, but the problems arise when the system is flawed. If the system is reliable, the authorities would have a key component of any successful health service: a strategy for preventive medicine.
From Mr Peter Donnelly
Dubai
Way out
Although the immediate cause of the accident is attributed to human negligence, there is a root cause which needs to be addressed to avoid recurrence of any such accidents ("Young couple killed in tragic accident on Abu Dhabi-Suwaihan Road", Gulf News, July 3). All roads leading to the highway should have regulated entry points to ensure that vehicles entering from the side road have enough space to get on to the highway without affecting incoming traffic. This could be achieved by having a 'go or no go' road signals at the highway entry point.
From Mr K. V. Jayarman
Dubai
More worries
I was stunned to see Gulf News's report on the proposed school fees hike ("UAE schools allowed to hike fees by 30%", Gulf News, July 6). What are the criteria for increasing school fees every academic year, especially as the bus fee had just been increased? It is all right if the fee was affordable and increased at a nominal percentage. If the fee has been increased by 30 per cent this year, how much will it be increased next year? The reasons justified are that it is to maintain international standards!
From Mr Pradeesh Kumar
Dubai
Expected hike
The fee hike was expected sooner or later, especially considering the current status of inflation. It started with housing, food items, medicine, school transportation, air travel and now school fees. We are learning to live with it. A major part of our budgets is spent on meeting these expenses and the hike in school fees will only add to it. Paying up is not an issue as long as our children get the best. I truly hope this hike yields results. Additionally, teachers deserve a hike in their salary as well. We owe it to them.
From Mr Tapan Biswas
Abu Dhabi
Safety nets
A few days ago, while driving on a road in Dubai, a football landed on the busy road causing lot of anxiety to drivers. It could have led to a disastrous accident but fortunately all drivers were cautious. The ball came from a nearby park. It is high time the authorities thought of providing a safety net around parks to prevent any hazards. This is needed for the safety of people visiting the parks as well.
From Mr Murugesh S.
Dubai
Serious threats
A lot of people might come up with solutions to ease the daily traffic mess. However, nothing will materialise unless the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) takes the suggestions seriously. To top it all, it is only the RTA that notices less traffic congestions at some, unknown location. Do they realise the serious threat to public health and mental welfare that hours spent being frustrated in traffic can cause? Probably not!
From Mr Nadeem S. Lutfullah
Dubai
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