Opinion | Letters
June 16, 2008
Letters to the Editor - June 16, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:44 June 15, 2008
Safety guaranteed?
The move to make supervisors mandatory in school buses is a good one by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) as it ensures that children will be in safe hands ("Supervisors 'must' for all school buses in Dubai", Gulf News, June 12).
However, whenever new safety measures are enforced in schools, it becomes burdensome for parents as many schools nowadays are searching for new ways to increase their fees.
Additionally, bus supervisors do not always guarantee security.
I hope they will be taught to adhere to the stipulations of road safety and will be briefed on the rules.
From Mr Shafeeque Babu
Dubai
Long overdue
The new rule regarding school bus supervisors comes as a welcome relief for parents. I regularly watch my children go to school and return on the school bus.
Like any mother, I constantly worry about them because bus drivers these days drop children off anywhere they want - sometimes at a great distance from their homes.
The new rule is long overdue and I would like to thank the concerned authorities for its introduction. It will help undoubtedly help protect our children and their future.
From Ms Mariam
Dubai
Great strategy
I read Gulf News's recent article regarding school bus supervisors. This is a great strategy but I believe focus should also be given to safety around school areas.
It would be helpful if police officials patrol near schools so that pupils feel safe and parents are comforted.
From Mr Zain Al Abideen Sajid
UAE
Supervision needed
I would like to thank the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for introducing the rule that makes it mandatory for supervisors to be on buses.
However, I am concerned about who the schools will employ for the position. We often hear of schools employing janitors as bus supervisors so as to keep their costs at a minimum.
Perhaps the authorities should also set conditions and requirements upon the recruitment of bus supervisors.
From Ms Sama
Dubai
In safe hands
I am a working mother of a five-month-old infant and I have a wonderful job. However, I recently resigned, as I do not know anyone reliable enough to look after my child.
There are many expatriates in the UAE who do not have the support of their extended families.
Moreover, many parents are afraid of sending their children to daycare centres or leaving them with a housemaid due to the terrible stories of mistreatment.
The facility of crèches should be made available in companies that employ a large number of females.
I know that many mothers would be willing to pay a fee, because it would come as a relief for them to know their children are safe.
From Ms Beatrice Priyanka Paul
Dubai
Give them a chance
I truly wish people would stop whining and complaining about Salik. At least the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is trying to do something to ease traffic congestion.
It may not have worked overnight, but with some perseverance on the part of the RTA and some patience from the public, I think Salik could be a success.
I am sure those who are complaining now would also be complaining if the RTA were not doing anything to change the situation.
I do not deny that the traffic in Dubai is horrible, but I think the public should give RTA some acknowledgment for trying.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request
Enriching
The foremost reason I read Gulf News is because of its Bridge section in tabloid! and the thoughtful quotes that are shared with readers when the game is analysed.
I can truly connect with the essence of life through the insightful quotes on great personalities, and at the same time I can devour the dexterous analysis of the game's strategies.
I never give this column a miss as it enriches my outlook towards issues in life.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai
Follow their example
The recent steps taken by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and prominent companies to provide transportation to its employees are very encouraging.
It would be helpful if other major companies that have large workforces follow this example as well. It would lead to the reduction of traffic congestion to a very large extent.
This would surely go a long way in increasing productivity at work, as employees would be able to reach their workplaces with fresh minds and therefore contribute to organisational growth as well as economic growth.
From Mr Rajesh Aryajeet
Dubai
Stop complaining
Every day I notice complaints from Dubai residents in Gulf News regarding policies of the authorities, high rents, rising prices, traffic and many other issues.
Most of us have been here for years and have enjoyed the low rents, free medical facilities and many other services given to us by our hospitable hosts.
We have built homes in our countries and saved enough for our children's future.
If the authorities are making new changes and implementing new policies, they would have taken many factors into consideration before doing so. So please stop complaining and live with it, or leave.
From Mr Brandon
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Paying my dues
I was a credit card holder of Arab Bank but cleared my dues and returned the card around 10 months ago. However, they are still sending me my bank statements.
When I contacted their help desk, the representatives informed me that I still had to pay the balance. I finally went to the bank and explained my situation.
The representatives acknowledged their mistake and assured me that I would not receive bank statements anymore.
However, I am still being sent the statements and requests for payment even though I have already taken my guarantee cheque!
From Mr Syed Ahmad Kamal Pasha
Ras Al Khaimah
Editor's note: Despite repeated reminders, the management of Arab Bank failed to respond.
Wrong parking
It is noteworthy that the Dubai Police have decided to tow vehicles that are obstructing traffic or that have been wrongly parked ("Owners to pay for towing cars parked illegally", Gulf News, June 11).
Most of us face difficulties every day because of motorists that park wrongly.
I advise the authorities to implement a system whereby every vehicle's dashboard will have the mobile number of the driver. This will help solve a lot of parking issues.
From Mr Kenneth A. Saldanha
Dubai
Close routes
I have noticed that an access road going toward Sharjah from Al Ittihad Road is open for motorists. Cars enter onto the main road from routes that go through areas with major construction work happening.
I have often applied the brakes suddenly and switched on my hazard lights to avoid a collision.
I think the authorities should close such access roads immediately to prevent major accidents.
From Mr Qasim Mohammad Abdullah\
Dubai
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