Opinion | Letters
September 30, 2008
Letters to the Editor: September 30, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:02 October 1, 2008
Counting minutes
I reside in an apartment, which is close to Al Maktoum Bridge. Almost every day, I witness the traffic chaos caused by vehicles, trying to avoid the new Salik tollgate and using the service lanes instead. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should have considered the numerous emergency vehicles, struggling to get through the traffic. They are obviously carrying an accident victim who requires immediate attention. The victims could be severely injured, and in such cases, every minute counts.
From Mr Sushil D'souza
Dubai
Danger zone
Some people tend to bring their children along with them when out for a walk, at the Abu Dhabi Corniche. This could be dangerous as there is a wide gap in the surrounding fence. Inattentive parents could be caught unaware if their child slips through and falls in the water. This means that they have to be constantly on the lookout, or else their child's life could be in danger. Some people might not know how to swim, so for onlookers it is difficult to save someone who has fallen through the gap. I for one am really afraid to go near the area, as it is the most dangerous spot.
From Mr Thomas Jacob
UAE
Clean corridors
All International City residents would like to thank Dubai Municipality for their wonderful efforts in helping us take better care of the environment. On the other hand, the developers seem to be doing the complete opposite. I was shocked to see a notice that asked residents to remove their belongings from the corridors within 48 hours. Any belongings found after that period were to be removed and disposed. The authorities need to understand that keeping the corridors clean does not mean sweeping them off of all objects of daily use. Plants are not just meant for beautification. There should be a rule against people who throw their cigarette butts in our plants.
From Ms Deepika V.
Dubai
Smoker's lounge
Though some people have recognised the need to ban smoking and implemented it, others continue to violate the law. I work in a hotel with a colleague who is a chain smoker. It is really hard to concentrate on my work, as I am suffocated with the smoke from the cigarettes. This wastes my time and affects productivity. I and other colleagues cannot inhale polluted air, in such closed space. It also affects the impression of the hotel, if all its employees look ill and cough in the lobby around guests. I have tried to raise the issue with concerned authorities, but to no avail.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld per request
Green suggestion
All expatriates residing in the UAE should be allocated a small area of open space, if they are willing to grow at least five trees there. Water and electricity should be provided at nominal cost. If this is achieved, the entire country will be greener, with more rain in the region and abundant vegetables and fruits for a healthier lifestyle. The authorities should create a competitive organisation to ensure quality and affordability.
From Mr Nanjundanathan M.
UAE
Great service
This letter is a token of appreciation to Gulf News, for helping resolve my issue with etisalat, recently. I had sent in a complaint about an unattended request for internet connectivity at my residence. With Gulf News's intervention, etisalat promptly sent technicians and fixed the phone line. I even received a phone call from the manager at etisalat with reference to the issue. I thank Gulf News for the wonderful service.
From Mr Samesh Thottupura
Abu Dhabi
Read right
I believe every newspaper should have a column dedicated to Islamic studies, especially during Ramadan. This would not require a lot of space. My father informed me about one such column in a newspaper, in Qatar. I am sure people in the UAE would find such a venture informative and gain insight from daily reading. I appreciate Gulf News's weekly articles on Ramadan, but feel that the topic could have been given more importance. A column would be beneficial for all, especially young Muslim children.
From Ms Saema Tazyeen
Dubai
Give a chance
Iran is a country rich with culture and traditions. It should produce goods within its territories and by using its own resources. To export means being dependent on other countries. If this continues, Iran might never have a strong economy. As a nation it has the ability to be independent. Iran deserves a chance to prove itself to the world. Iranians too have dreams, which they aspire to achieve in a peaceful manner. Who wouldn't want to see his or her country develop?
From Mr M. Gol
Sharjah
Wrong focus
The concerned authorities should realise that there are more important issues to be addressed such as the monthly income of people who stay in shared accommodation ("Residents sharing houses panic over deadline", Gulf News, September 25). They should instead focus on landlords who hike rents every year. There should be enough public transportation on the roads for people to use. Taxi companies should reduce their prices, making it easier for people to travel long distances.
From Mr Mohammad S.
UAE
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