Switch on the street lights
I would like to bring to the notice of the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) the issue regarding the street lights in the Abu Shagara area of Sharjah. Being winter, the sun rises by 7am, but many children leave for school much before that. I have noticed that parents and children wait for the school bus in darkness as the street lights don’t come on early in the morning. I have noticed parents carry their little ones and cross the roads. The traffic during the time is also quiet high as most people leave for office. It is very difficult for parents to cross the road with traffic and no street lights. As motorists are in a hurry to get to work, they are not too attentive either. Some motorists don’t even put on their car headlights, posing a bigger risk. This is a major issue and I think it needs to be addressed before we face another accidental disaster. Sewa must re-plan the timings of switching on and off the street lights.
From Mr Prasad Warrier
Sharjah
Difficult tasks ahead for AAP
Success of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi would depend upon how successfully they will be able to remove the systemic flaws that affect the democratic governance in India (‘Interesting Indian summer on the cards,’ Gulf News, January 9). Some of the basic issues to be addressed are: Why have the checks and balances in government become ineffective? Why corruption is rampant despite the vigilance wing in every department? Why is public money being wasted despite being audited by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)? CAG is a constitutional authority wielding enormous powers and responsibilities, then why has the audit become ineffective? Democracy has become a farce, as candidly explained in ‘Swaraj’ – an interesting book written by Arvind Kejriwal that shows his perception of flaws in public administration. What can be done by people in power to correct the situation? The section 4, Right to Information Act (RTI) has been circumvented by most of the public authorities and largely remains unimplemented by the government offices in direct interaction with the citizens. Information disclosed by the public authorities does not result in effective public accountability. What can be done to enforce implementation of RTI in letter and spirit? Why have the senior civil servants succumbed to political whims, instead of doing there duties in an upright manner, with intellectual honesty? What can be done to make them directly accountable to the citizens? Current tortuous route of public accountability of government officers is through their bureaucratic hierarchy to the Parliament/State Legislature, consisting of elected representative of people. This has distanced the bureaucratic machinery from the citizens. Effective democracy is possible if the government machinery is responsive to the citizens. As the Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal has onerous responsibility to ensure that checks and balances are restored and government performs. His performance in Delhi would affect the future of AAP in the forthcoming elections. There are high expectations from this party and it would be an uphill task to meet them.
From Mr Dhirendra Krishna
New Delhi, India
Website comment
Don’t judge others
Condolences for the young child (‘Sharjah: Toddler dies after being hit by uncle’s car,’ Gulf News, January 9). I am writing this letter because I think people need to remember that this was an accident and I am sure that it will be difficult for the uncle to live with it all his life. Please don’t call names or judge others.
From Ms Rumana Darr
Dubai
Facebook comment
Parent’s responsibility
Of course it was an accident, but a preventable one. When you become a parent your child should never leave your side, particularly around any vehicle. I’m amazed at how many small children are allowed to play unattended. Parents then look for others to blame rather than themselves. This has tragic consequences and is so very sad for all involved. Rest in peace little one.
From Ms Sheena Weena
Dubai
Facebook comment
Mere carelessness
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time such a tragedy has occurred. It is the responsibility of every driver to ensure that the surroundings are clear for him or her to reverse the car out of the parking bay. Also, parents should not let their young ones out of their sight even for the shortest duration. Only then can we prevent such mishaps. I feel very sorry for the toddler who died due to mere carelessness.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
Facebook comment
Learn parenting
Please use sensors while reversing your car. Toddlers are usually not visible when looking through the rear view mirrors or they could be in the blind spot. Children are meant to be naughty and elders are meant to be responsible. Often children do stuff in a matter of few minutes and most of their actions are unpredictable. I feel sorry for the little angel. My condolences to his parents and his uncle who must be feeling guilty. Parents and nannies should be the ones to make sure that doors are locked and their child is always under their watch. Maybe authorities can organise some parenting and caretaking lessons for parents and nannies.
From Ms Surbhi Kochar
UAE
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