Letters: November 16, 2009

Limited
Am I working? I am tempted to say ‘yes', having completed my post graduation and much more. But, I have opted to stay at home for the sake of my children — a newborn child and a five-year-old daughter. I believe many mothers would concur with my decision. Parents face a lot of stress when leaving their children at home and worrying what the nanny is up to. What would be in store for us when we reach home after work each day? But is there an alternative for women as the cost of living increases every day, all over the world? Yes — the option of leaving children at daycare centres, which have exorbitantly high charges and a long waiting list in this part of the world. Also, getting an extended family member to stay with us is not easy either, due to various reasons. What do we do?
From Ms Priyamvadhe V.
Abu Dhabi

Teach housemaids
I think it is our responsibility to work at the grassroots level and educate our domestic helpers as well. Domestic help may be a norm, but how many of them are aware of these facts? We, as homemakers or working women, must do something about it. Resources are precious and we all have to protect the Earth for future generations.
From Ms Sarwat Rizwan
Dubai

Extra charges
We all are very concerned about wastage of water and want to do something about it. But, I personally believe that maids are responsible for the wastage. Housemaids never bother to turn off taps or switch off the lights in unused rooms. Recently, I went to spend an afternoon with a friend. During that time, I noticed that her maid did not turn off the tap while she moved around the kitchen. When I tried to tell my friend about this, she ignored it. She also said that she has tried speaking to her maid, but if she continues telling her what to do, she will either leave or stop being cooperative. I was not going to surrender. I somehow managed to make her listen to me and narrated some horrible facts about global warming.
From Mr Mukesh Chaturbhuj
Dubai

Good concept
This refers to the report on the mParking service ("Authority unveils free SMS offer for paid parking in Dubai", Gulf News, November 10). I have been using this service for the past two weeks. Although it is more convenient than purchasing a parking ticket, it is an additional burden on our pockets. For the first hour, the system charges Dh1-2, depending on the area.

But on sending the second text message for the extension, a motorist is charged Dh4 for the next hour. If you want to extend it further, the system charges Dh7-8. I would rather pay for the ticket at the parking meter by coin or card for the extended hour, which will cost me Dh1 only and save the text message cost. Thus, I stopped using the service because of the additional charges.

I think the mParking facility is very nice. It provides a very good solution, especially when a person is at home, as it is inconvenient to go downstairs and pay for a parking ticket at the meter. I like the concept. The only suggestion I have is that the text messaging charges should be waived for another couple of months.
From Mr Mohammad Abdul Aleem
Dubai
Website comment

Late delivery
I use the mParking service and so far, I have got two fines. Another problem with this service is that sometimes there is a delay in the text message delivery. In the past, I have sent an SMS at 7pm and only received a confirmation at around 11pm, or sometimes even the next day.
-  From Ms Kim
Dubai
Website comment

 In comparison
I moved to Doha, Qatar, a few months ago after spending eight years in Dubai. I got my driving licence in Dubai in 2007 and used to complain a lot about double parking and reckless driving when I lived in the city.

But, ever since I moved to Doha, I started to realise that the driving system in Dubai is much better and safer in comparison. You are truly trained to drive on roads.

In Doha, there is no sense of driving, no lane discipline, no respect for pedestrians, even at zebra crossings, no awareness of traffic rules and safety and, most importantly, there are no police patrols on the road. I read a recent report in Gulf News about residents being irritated with motorists who park their cars on pavements.

In Doha, people park their cars in the middle of a roundabout. Imagine how dangerous that is. So, please, stop complaining about driving standards in Dubai. They are far better than many other places, thanks to the rigorous training provided by driving institutes. Drive safely and respect other people's lives.
From A Reader
Doha, Qatar
Name withheld by request