Opinions | Letters
October 17, 2008
Letters to the editor, October 17, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:00 October 18, 2008
No smoking, please
A short while ago I was shocked to see some people smoking at a petrol station near a school in the Al Garhoud area. When I confronted the attendant and asked him why he did not stop people from smoking, he replied that the smokers would not listen. Additionally, it was surprising to note that the smokers were staff members from nearby schools. I think the authorities concerned should pay a surprise visit to the petrol station and penalise offenders with heavy fines. It is extremely dangerous to smoke at petrol stations - people can burn themselves or cause a fire!
From Dr Mohammad Eqbal
Dubai
Calm down
With the market meltdown, fear has spread through investors causing panic selling, but I am optimistic that it will not last long ("World stock markets surge amid global efforts to rescue financial system", Gulf News, October 13). Just because a few main investors are selling their shares, others are following suit. As one runs, another will follow. Shareholders should go on a vacation for a week or two and forget about the market collapse. It will pick up soon.
From Mr Shah Jahan
United Kingdom
Major crisis
It is truly heartbreaking to see a rise in the amount of pollution and litter on the beaches of Umm Suqueim, Dubai. The public beach next to the fishing harbour was cordoned off with traffic cones. However, some beach-goers climbed through and swam in the brown water, despite it being laden with faeces. Something needs to be done quickly to resolve this situation, especially as the peak tourist season is fast approaching. I urge the authorities to take action before there is a major epidemic.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Worsening issue
I would like to seek the attention of the authorities to the issue of crowded public buses and overcrowded bus stations, in places such as Jumeirah. From 5pm onwards, it is almost impossible to find a seat on any bus, because by the time they reach the bus stop, they are packed. Occasionally, we are excited to leave our workplaces earlier than usual, as we anticipate reaching home early, too. However, disappointment sets in when we approach the bus stop and find it teeming with waiting passengers. This problem is worsening, as the number of passengers is increasing by the day. People are forced to wait for up to three hours at a time, while many end up taking taxis, if available.
From Mr Almario Umali
Dubai
Bad planning
When hosting the Olympics, the countries involved spend almost four years preparing for the event. In Dubai, greater emphasis needs to be placed on planning big events, too. We often read letters in Gulf News, wherein readers mention their backbreaking drive to work and traffic issues, almost every day. This year, misery struck commuters during the five days of Cityscape Dubai. Gitex, the annual technology event, is coming up and I am sure the residents will have no relief in this case either. I urge the authorities to move the event outside the city's perimeters. If this is not possible, they could request businesses in the area to shut down for a week.
From Dr Rocky Termanini
UAE
Needed now
The Dubai Metro is racing towards finishing on time and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that pedestrian bridges will be constructed where necessary. While the design and planning of such bridges has already begun, they would probably only be opened for public use once the Metro is operational. However, pedestrian bridges need to be constructed with immediate effect, especially in Sharjah. Such crossings are necessary as many accidents occur when pedestrians attempt to cross the road.
From Ms Bindu Sathianesan
Dubai
Suggestions
There is no doubt that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is working hard to facilitate better traffic movement on roads, especially for Dubai residents. However, there are very serious issues existing in Deira and surrounding areas. One such concern is the fact that C1 buses block traffic flow in densely populated areas. I think it would help if the RTA started using 35-seater buses, which would not take up so much space on the roads.
From Mr Ashraf Mohammad
Dubai
No response
This is in response to the letter from a reader who was assaulted when walking home ("Quick thinking", Gulf News, October 12). I think the reader was very lucky that her attacker was a coward who ran away when he heard her scream. I truly hope the authorities penalise the perpetrator in an appropriate manner. However, it is very sad that even though the reader screamed for help no one came to her rescue. I consider myself to be very strong, but if I scream, I expect someone to help out. Shame on all those who heard her cry and did not come to her assistance in her time of need!
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Welcome move
Granting an equal number of holidays to employees working in private and public sectors would be a welcome move - this in reference to a recent Gulf News report. Private sector employees who are burdened with a great deal of work tend to get frustrated and dissatisfied when they realise they have fewer holidays in store for them. Holidays do not have to be long, but must be enough to provide employees with ample time to relax and enjoy time with loved ones. This ultimately leads to a more efficient and friendly work atmosphere. Additionally, with a contented workforce the quality of work done and productivity would only get better.
From Ms Chandra Sudhir
Dubai
Greater focus
Why does the whole city of Dubai grind to a halt with the commencement of one large exhibition, namely Cityscape Dubai? It is absurd. Urban planners should improve the traffic situation in the city.
From Ms Faith
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
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