Opinion | Letters
November 27, 2008
Letters to the Editor: November 27, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:02 November 27, 2008
Excellent service
A few days ago, I needed to visit the Abu Dhabi licensing department to renew my driving licence and was surprised by the excellent service. I arrived at the department at 4.05pm and collected my licence at 4.30pm. All the staff on duty - right from the reception to the counter at which I received my licence - were very affable but that did not affect the manner in which they went about their jobs with supreme assurance. Additionally, I did not have to go back to collect my licence at a later date; it was handed to me in person. Keep up the good work.
From Ms Gamini Owitigala V.
Abu Dhabi
Strike a balance
We all know that a global recession is a reality - we are all victims at different levels. It is normal practice to cut jobs and restructure organisations in order to reduce costs and thus tide over tough times. When jobs are cut, a percentage of employees suffer. Instead, why does management not consider cutting salaries by 20 to 25 per cent across the board and thus reduce unemployment? I do not mean to say that wages of low-paid workers should be cut, but a balance needs to be struck. Additionally, why not discontinue the practice of paying large bonuses? There are other areas where costs can be trimmed, thus making products and services available to consumers at a cheaper price. That way, the recession would not last long.
From Mr K. Mathew
UAE
Many thanks
My mother, who travels every day from Karama to Sharjah, lost her watch while travelling by bus recently. She realised it on returning home. We went back to the Sharjah bus station and informed the official in charge who took a keen interest in the matter and contacted the driver. The watch was found and duly returned. We are really thankful to the driver and the authorities for their assistance and cooperation.
From Mr Murtaza M.C.
Sharjah
Child-care facilities needed
As an American residing in the UAE, I can observe a fundamental setback that discourages women from working. Lack of day-care facilities forces educated mothers to stay home and take care of their young ones. On arrival of the first child, mothers take a long sabbatical from work. The idea is to wait for three years until the baby is ready for nursery or pre-school - all justified in the name of being a good mother. Most feel out of touch and rusty by the time they are ready to work. To ease the guilt of talented mothers a licensed, accredited and recognised child-care facility in every neighbourhood is the solution.
From Ms Zuby Hameed
UAE
Not born pirates
Who made the pirates ("Pirates off Somalia could drain Suez resources," Gulf News, November 23)? Just take a look at the people of Somalia - they are without proper food, education and clothing. All they have is hunger, poverty and disease. Let's just stop and think - could you or I survive under such deplorable conditions? What are the Somalians expected to do? They have turned to hijacking and piracy because they are unemployed and need to feed their families. They were not born pirates, no one is.
From Mr Rajiv
UAE
Full name withheld by request
The missing link
There's no practical link between Sharjah and Dubai, east of E311. This causes drivers in the area to unnecessarily travel a very long distance, wasting a great deal of time and fuel, as well as adding to the carbon footprint. However, a very short link road between Sharjah's Maliha Road, near Sharjah University City, and Dubai's D97 Street, which runs East-West between E311 and Al Khawaneej, would allow drivers to cross the area in a matter of minutes. Each day, hundreds of drivers cross the short-cut sandy patch - with many getting stuck in the sand. Today, I was one of them. Fortunately, two very kind and courteous young Emirati men helped me. Could the authorities please address this issue? I, and perhaps many others, wouldn't mind paying a toll to use the link road.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Job well done
Your report on the Atlantis party ("Atlantis uncovered!" Gulf News, November 19) was really good - the reporter did a fine job by informing readers of the best locations to get a view of the action. It helped that the telephone numbers of the hotels and restaurants were listed too. Thank you Gulf News for having such hard-working and passionate staff.
From Mr Gavin Ford
UAE
Difficult to cross
Pedestrians have to risk heavy traffic to cross the airport road in Abu Dhabi. I would request the authorities to build an over-head bridge or a pedestrian walkway to make life easier.
From Mr Tahir Rafique
Abu Dhabi
Permanent problem
With reference to your article ("Customers worry over faulty ATMs," Gulf News, November 25), my main problem is that my ATM card does not work on any machine other than my bank's machines. When I ask them about it, the response I get is that it is an IT error, which will be fixed - but it never is.
From Mr Ben
Dubai
Test of patience
I am very familiar with ATM machines that don't work- it is frustrating.
From Ms Hyacinth Kinny
Dubai
Not the answer
Taking old cars off the road will reduce pollution, but I don't think it will help reduce traffic congestion ("145,000 cars in UAE to be taken off roads by December 2009," Gulf News, November 25). People will probably buy new cars to replace their old ones.
From Mr Dexter
Abu Dhabi
Positive step
The initiative to take old cars off the roads is well thought; I think it will help address pollution and traffic issues.
From Mr Noor Mohammad
Abu Dhabi
Public transport the answer
Although I will not be affected by the decision to force old cars off the roads, I feel sad for those who have bought these cars with a big chunk of their savings. I hope that the authorities will make sure that there is a proper and effective public transport system in place, which connects to all parts of the city. Also, while this decision may be effective on the environment front, it may not be useful in reducing traffic congestion and accidents.
From Ms Biby
Dubai
Focus on driving habits
If a car is well maintained and clears tests, then why should it be phased out? Surely the way people drive is a more important issue.
From Mr Mark
Abu Dhabi
Your turn
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