Opinions | Letters
October 26, 2008
Letters to the editor, October 26, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:33 October 25, 2008
Make it your business
Gulf News has spent a lot of time and effort addressing the plight of Sammy the Shark ("Sammy the Shark gets drawn to attention", Gulf News, October 21). I think it is time to do the same for our localities. Unfortunately, Sharjah has started to resemble a huge junkyard. There is garbage everywhere - on the streets, in building alleys, parking lots and stairways. Our complaints have gone unheard with nothing significant being done to clean up the places, as yet. Additionally, when we politely ask people not to litter, we are often rebuffed and asked to mind our own business. Many residents do not make the effort to walk a few steps to discard trash in the garbage bin. Let's focus on our environment, as it is important too. Let's make it our business.
From Ms M. Sorensen
Sharjah
Taken for granted
In her letter, I think Ms Jillian Stevens has pinpointed the problem she faces with many residents, with regards to littering ("All that glitters, is litter", Gulf News, October 19). Most people believe that someone will come along and pick up the trash, so they do not take the extra effort to do their bit for the environment. Until people realise this, I guess I will continue cleaning up after others. I am not too proud to be among the few who care for the planet.
From Ms Jessica H.
Dubai
Fair alternatives
The Salik tollgate at Al Safa is seriously affecting residents living in the area. I think it is truly unfair that we are being forced to use this tollgate for lack of alternatives. Almost every family residing in the Al Safa area owns two or more cars. This means residents have to pay at least Dh240 a month for Salik, depending on how many times they use the tollgate. I think it would help if the authorities allow commuters to access service roads in front of or behind each building.
From Ms Gouree Athle
Dubai
Ruder than the rest
I believe the quality of customer service in stores has considerably dropped. It is a given that buyers tend to bargain with the salesperson when buying expensive jewellery. Thereby, on visiting one such store, I was taken aback when the salesperson decided not to entertain me and attended to another customer instead - just because I tried to bargain. On requesting to speak to the manager, I discovered that he was ruder than his staff members! Managers such as these set a bad example for the rest of their team, as they do nothing to improve customer service.
From Ms Nora Nevis
Dubai
Long wait
During the past few weeks, I have spent at least an hour being stuck in traffic congestions en route 13A. Despite our frequent complaints, nothing seems to have been done to ease traffic on this particular route. Traffic in Dubai is unbearable with many people being stuck for hours, every single day. This causes them to be constantly late for work or important meetings. Even though the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) tries to encourage the use of public transport, residents are unenthusiastic to do so, as it is very time-consuming.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Cancelled flight
Recently, I booked two tickets from Dubai to Kochi, in India, with Jazeera Airways. My intention was to accompany my daughter, who needed to travel to India to appear in an important exam. However, the day before we were due to travel, I received a text message from Jazeera Airways informing me that the flight had been cancelled. I tried to contact the management in Dubai and Kuwait, but without any luck. They are yet to refund my money. Now they are asking me for my bank statement, as they claim that they have sent the money to my account. I have requested them for details of the remittance and sent several emails for a follow up. I doubt if anyone is listening.
From Mr S. Anandkumar
Dubai
Editor's note: The complaint was forwarded to Jazeera Airways for a comment. However, despite repeated reminders, the management failed to provide any details of the remittance.
Unbearable
It has become unbearable to spend long hours being stuck in traffic congestion, in Sharjah, especially in the morning. Where were all these cars during Ramadan? I am convinced that a slight change in school timings and work hours in the public sector would do miracles for the traffic issue.
From A Reader
Sharjah |
Name withheld by request
Warnings needed
I have always appreciated the work done by the Civil Defence in Dubai and the support extended by them to residents at any given time ("All buildings in Dubai to install Direct Alarm System for fire and hazard safety", Gulf News, October 21). In the wake of recent fires in residential buildings, I urge the authorities to ensure that fire alarm systems in buildings are in good working condition. If not, those in charge of building maintenance should be fined. Recently, there was a minor fire in my building and despite an existing alarm system we did not have any prior warning.
From Ms Hussain
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld by request
Be careful
I commute from Abu Dhabi to Dubai regularly. A short while ago, I happened to experience heavy fog that had settled across the country, during early morning hours. Nowadays, I have noticed that motorists tend to drive above the speed limit and use hazard lights even when the climate is foggy. Hazard lights must only be used to warn drivers when one is braking abruptly, or if one intends to park on a main road. I urge motorists to remember this when driving in such weather.
From Mr Nizar Al Deen
Dubai
Irritation
As a resident of Dubai Marina area, I spend about six to seven minutes commuting to my workplace in Dubai Media City on a public bus. However, I often see the bus driver speed as if he were competing in a Formula One race. Sometimes, the bus doesn't even halt at the bus stop. Additionally, another cause for irritation is when passengers run to the bus in the scorching heat and are not allowed to board.
From Ms Deborah Bocchi
Dubai
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