Food for thought
I am in full concurrence with the message that was conveyed in a recent editorial comment in Gulf News (“Make food safety top priority”, Gulf News, August 9). Ensuring food safety should not be limited to Ramadan. Hygiene and cleanliness should also be part of the monitoring mechanism as this indirectly leads to contaminated food being served in restaurants and coffee shops. There should be regular follow-ups and action by [the] concerned authorities, followed by effective punitive measures against defaulters, which would help improve awareness among the public.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Oman

Take a thoughtful stand
I thank the readers who wrote against and in favour of my community report about men consuming alcohol in public (“Be a part of change”, Gulf News, August 8). Since I regularly take up quality issues with various Abu Dhabi authorities, I had the contact numbers needed to alert the police and the media. But, I marked the pros and cons in my mind before taking any steps. It was not [due to] fear. If that were the case, I would not have submitted the community report with my name given the possibility of angry reactions in one way or the other. If I were to report the wrongdoers, it would have resulted in the arrest of those individuals and a report to that effect in the newspaper. However, I strongly felt a community report through Gulf News would result in a wider impact and alert all concerned. So, be alert and act according to the situation.
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi

Distracting messages
Very many people receive promotional text messages about various products, which generally is a nuisance. Text messages come from telecommunication companies, various banks and even shopping malls. Most of these messages, however, are not at all useful or of any interest to many of the recipients. Many of us are busy with work when we get a call from agents and representatives of banks or other organisations explaining about loans, credit cards and promotions. This is an utter nuisance and diverts our attention from work. This happens many a times during the day. Something has to be done by the authorities to stop this menace. How are these companies getting our telephone numbers?
From Mr V. Thomas
UAE

Project update
We thank you for your interest in Al Salam Project and for highlighting the municipality’s ongoing efforts towards the project’s completion (“Salam Street safety at risk”, Gulf News, July 29).
With reference to the Gulf News [community] report about the excavation works in sector E18 at Al Salam Street, we would like to confirm that the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City strives to provide safety environment with enhanced features and is keen at responding to resident and customer enquiries.
As for the implemented works in sector E18 at Al Salam Street, we would like to confirm that project management had surveyed the entire E18 section and found no open excavations or deep utility works in any of the locations. The attached photograph reflects the current situation.
We would also like to confirm that the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City is committed to its ongoing efforts to complete Al Salam Street Project which is part of the municipality’s strategic objective of meeting the requirements of a developing city and responding to the needs of the growing population.
From the Municipality of
Abu Dhabi City

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