Opinions | Letters
November 10, 2008
Letters to the Editor, November 10, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:02 November 9, 2008
Save the planet
It is about time people realised the importance and need for recycling. I have noticed recycling bins near supermarkets and shopping malls, but seldom see people using them. Being eco-friendly is very important - it helps take care of the planet and saves trees from being cut down. Moreover, a good environment is essential for future generations. I think a greater number of recycling bins should be placed around communities in the UAE. People must learn to dispose of garbage in a more responsible manner.
From Ms Tanesha Nair
Dubai
Set an example
We use various types of cardboard, paper and plastic - most of which can be recycled to reduce pollution. However, most residents do not use proper recycling methods, which could invariably increase the amount of chemicals released in the environment. Protecting the environment is a global issue and Dubai could set an example by adopting eco-friendly practices. Recycling bins should be set up in schools, offices and other locations around the city. Everyone must recycle, as small steps can make a huge difference. If people do not recycle, their garbage should be sent back to them for sorting. This would increase the number of supporters for the cause and help diminish our carbon footprint. Reuse, reduce and recycle!
From Mr Alin Van Kleef
Dubai
Conserve water
The illegal dumping of raw sewage in Dubai is a great cause for concern. During the rainstorms last year, a lot of residents faced problems due to overflowing sewage. Some homes were partially flooded, too. This could be extremely dangerous, as exposure to sewage could cause harmful diseases. I recommend that people try to conserve water, as we live in a desert and water is a scarce resource. Additionally, sewage should not be dumped into the sea. Awareness campaigns should be organised to inform people about the seriousness of the issue. I hope such initiatives would make a difference to our city and the world.
From Ms Himanshi Jesrani
Dubai
Needs to stop
I am writing to express my concern about the rising amount of pollution. However, it seems that most people are completely oblivious to this fact. I have noticed a thick, grey layer of smog enveloping the city, especially in the early morning hours. Pollution ruins the environment and causes various diseases, since the air we breathe could be unsafe. If we continue to use vehicles, machines and electrical appliances at the current rate, we would be putting the well being of our city at risk. Additionally, it is disturbing to see beautiful beaches and deserts being dumped with waste. This needs to stop.
From Ms Samira Saunders
Dubai
Encourage people
In some communities, people deposit their recyclable waste at designated points so that trucks can take them to recycling centres. There are several large recycling bins around Dubai, but most are far away from residential areas. Some people do not bother to make an effort to recycle. The authorities need to implement stricter laws and encourage people to recycle. Additionally, some residents assume that they would not be able to make a difference. However, if many people get involved, we could change the state of the environment. I urge everyone to join me in my quest to make Dubai a more eco-friendly place.
From Ms Amy Barrack
Dubai
Change the focus
I request the media to turn the spotlight on serious issues, such as poverty or pollution, in order to increase awareness amongst people everywhere. The poverty rate in the world is enormous, with millions not even having access to a clean supply of water. Additionally, malnutrition, poor health and starvation kill innumerable children every day. Poverty alone leads to more casualties in a single year, than war. Issues such as these increase in importance every day, as they are a threat to humans and animals alike. I believe it is more significant than discussing the new hair colour of a famous celebrity or the next big concert in town.
From Mr Chad Williams
Dubai
A greener future
Every day, hundreds of expatriates arrive in Dubai, which results in an increase in traffic congestion, pollution and the need for resources. Additionally, I believe a greater number of trees need to be planted around the city and hybrid cars introduced to help turn around the situation. I urge residents to be more aware of the seriousness of this issue.
From Ms Leoni Herrmann
Dubai
Closing time
In order to send a telegram, I arrived at etisalat's Sharjah branch at 7.54pm - six minutes before closing time. However, there was a sign on the counter that read 'closed'. When I asked one of the staff members about the sign, the person asked me to return the next day. However, on talking to the security officer on duty, I discovered that working hours were from 8am to 8pm. Repeated requests to accept my telegram were denied by an employee. Additionally, I had a bitter experience earlier. I was charged twice for a single call and even though I complained, etisalat did not respond. I request the concerned authorities to look into the matter and improve their service.
From Mr Biju John
Dubai
The management for etisalat replies:
Mr John had arrived at the etisalat office after working hours, at 8pm. However, the staff at the counter tried their best to help him and inquired if he wished to send a cash telegram or debit it to his telephone account, which could have been done easily. Mr John wanted to book a telegram on cash basis. Since the cash counter had been closed, the staff members were unable to assist him.
Mr Biju John replies:
There was absolutely no such conversation between the staff members and me. I was repeatedly told by one of the employees to return the next day for the transaction.
Editor's note: Despite repeated reminders, the management at etisalat failed to respond to Mr Biju John's follow-up reply.
Give me space
I wait for the day when motorists will learn to be more tolerant, without getting irritated or angry. A short while ago, I was driving along a main road in Abu Dhabi. However, when I tried to change lanes, a fellow motorist wouldn't allow it and was determined to block me. I did not ask for much - all I wanted was a little space to manoeuvre. I believe he should have given me some leeway, as my number plate clearly showed I was not a resident of the capital.
From Mr Amjad A. Awan
Dubai
Failed system
The current global financial crisis is neither an accident, nor a development that occurred without warning ("Tackling the global financial crisis", Gulf News, November 5). It was built up and nurtured systematically over a period of time. During the past decade, financial systems were based on abstract calculations instead of glaring facts. A new class of aggressive and overconfident business graduates boosted the markets to unprecedented heights and lured gullible investors. Additionally, there was a total disregard for the credibility of borrowers. Consumerism overtook fundamentals and affordability, whether in stock or realty markets.
From Mr C. S. Pathak
Maharashtra, India
Spaced out
Recently, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) converted some areas in Karama into paid parking lots. However, residents could park free of cost in areas adjacent to apartment buildings, as these were considered to be private parking spaces. This is why we were surprised to find one morning, that every parked vehicle had a notice placed on its windscreen. The notice informed residents that parking in the area violated the rules and motorists would be fined in the future. I think the new regulation poses a great inconvenience for tenants, who do not have alternative parking areas for their vehicles.
From Mr S. N. Manazhiyil
Dubai
Open for use
In the past few years, a number of parks have developed close to Abu Dhabi Corniche. Now that the weather has changed, the parks are a blessing for all families. However, one major problem still exists - public toilets. Even though the toilets are ready for use, they have not been opened for the public. I request the concerned authorities to kindly look into the matter, in order to keep our surroundings free from pollution. Prompt action would be highly appreciated.
From Mr Govindrajan Iyengar
Abu Dhabi
Legal process
This is in reference to Gulf News's report about Filipinos stranded on Kish Island ("Desperate and destitute on Kish," Gulf News, October 27). I am a Filipino and this is the first time I have worked outside my homeland. Initially, I was very scared — I was not sure if I could repay the loan amount taken to pay my recruitment agency, back home. Being apart from my family was very difficult, too. I think most would agree that expatriates sacrifice a lot to provide their families with a better future. However, I always try to keep up a positive attitude. I agree with UAE's new laws regarding visit visas. If there is any problem, it is with illegal recruitment agencies that place obstacles in the way of those who wish to enter the country in a legal manner. Local employers should only hire workers with legal papers and pay for their visas and permits. Additionally, those who tried their luck by applying illegally should not blame the authorities. They should return home and apply through licenced, legal agencies that would guarantee them the job they desire.
From Ms June Del Rosario
UAE
Health conscious
In many countries, there are always a certain number of people who are inclined to adopt naturopathy, due to its health benefits and curative properties. However, I am surprised that the concept has yet to be promoted in the UAE. The authorities should launch a campaign to raise public awareness on the benefits of naturopathy.
From Ms Sudha Kathuria
Dubai
Business matters
I refer to Ms Tessa Morris's letter ("Choices," Your Turn, November 5). I don't think her suggestion is wise or practical. Working mothers should not be allowed to take leave to look after children when schools are closed. When employers set up a business, they should not have to worry about such issues. A heavy capital is required for businesses and any venture clearly works toward the goal of productivity, prosperity, profitability and sustainability. It is not unusual for employers to look for the most efficient, capable and sincere candidates to work for them. Since they put in enormous effort and perseverance, it is natural for them to expect a reasonable return. It is not an employer's concern whether a working mother is stressed out or not. Employers would easily be able to get more efficient, experienced job seekers, as many are currently flooding the market. Why should they then take risk? However, if a company provides a day-care facility for female employees, it would be a great initiative. Still, I advise mothers to either be at home to look after their children or be prepared to juggle home and work. Please do not complain unnecessarily.
From Ms Shemi Babu
Dubai
Change the system
Americans have rewritten history by electing Barack Obama as their next president ("Change has come," Gulf News, November 6). He represents just what the US and the world needs right now — a clear and positive change. President-Elect Obama stands not just for the African-Americans, but for a whole new generation of forward-thinking Americans, too. Such people are tired of the often highhanded and obsolete policies of their previous governments. I hope Obama would be able to deliver much-needed change, not just for his countrymen but for the entire world.
From Ms Shiuli Dutt Dey
Dubai
For the better
I congratulate Barack Obama and those who believe in democracy and free will ("Change has come," Gulf News, November 6). Hopefully, this would be a harbinger of change for the better, especially in the current social, political and economic turmoil of the world order. The situation in the US affects the world at large and is not just confined to the West or Europe. Personally, I was not surprised when Americans chose Obama as their next president.
From Mr Asapu M. Rao
Abu Dhabi
Dreams come true
As mankind steps into a new era of equal opportunities and change, the voices, struggle, pain and dreams of the underdogs have finally been heard ("Change has come," Gulf News, November 6). President-Elect Barack Obama was the dream that Martin Luther King, Jr dreamt. The freedom of achieving and becoming what you are is now possible and the all barriers of inferiority have been crushed. This is a time when history is not what was, but what is. This is our time and we have learnt from our mistakes. We have a dream and in that dream is liberty, justice and equality for all.
From Mr Stephen M. M.
UAE
Clean up the mess
The US was not alone in celebrating Barack Obama's victory, as the rest of the world joined them in their satisfaction ("Change has come," Gulf News, November 6). Nearly a decade ago, former president George W. Bush's foreign policy fuelled violence and completely exhausted the region. The world will now watch closely as the new US president assumes the daunting task of cleaning up the mess of his predecessor. I hope Obama will bring an end to bloodshed, silence the war drums and make pave the way to diplomacy, stability and peace. We, too, are anxiously awaiting change.
From Ms Nadia I. A.
Dubai
Nowhere to go
If shared accommodation is not allowed, I request the authorities to provide adequate accommodation for couples earning Dh6,000 per month. Nobody wants to stay with another family in an apartment — least of all, couples. However, most families have no other option.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
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