June 21. 2008

Little joys that remain

For as long as I can remember Gulf News has always been a part of my life. As a teenager, I would read headlines and check sales advertisements. I still remember the thrill that a fresh new copy of Junior News would bring, each Wednesday. As a family of five, it was annoying to wait for our turn to read it. I had to blackmail my brother to get me a copy of 'U Magazine' as the store was far away, and I didn't have permission to walk alone. When I graduated my picture and name was featured in the Nation page. I was so thrilled that I got it framed. It's all these little joys that I, and I'm sure, many other people associate Gulf News with. It's enchanting how some people spend their lives collecting news, clicking pictures, designing and writing draft after draft to perfection - all this for an audience they connect with through sheets of paper. It is extremely appreciated.
From Ms Safoora Masoud
Dubai

Not about age

If Salik is truly aimed at reducing traffic congestion, why do we have to pay a toll on Fridays, public holidays and after-rush hours? Additionally, vehicles more than 20 years old would soon be banned from roads. This, to reduce the number of vehicles and thereby the corresponding road congestion. Wouldn't the people who dispose off old vehicles buy new ones? Such people use old vehicles out of choice and as per their budget. By getting rid of their old vehicles, it is another burden on their pockets. Emission levels do not depend on the age of the vehicle alone. My new car failed the emission test last year!
From Mr George
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Colourful city

As a resident of Dubai since 1990, I have always considered UAE as my home. I have known Dubai by its various superlatives - city of gold, city that cares and a city of dreams. I have a suggestion. How about if all bridges, roads and side poles were painted in various colours just like the buildings at Dubai Healthcare City and all underpasses that have colourful motifs? It would make the city more colourful.
From Mr Vijay Raj Sud
Dubai

No money, no gain

I had visited a petrol pump for re-fuelling, recently. As the attendant filled petrol I stepped into the convenience store to withdraw from the cashpoint, as I had no cash with me. It was out of service. After an argument, the attendant kept my licence for Dh50 worth of petrol. Petrol pumps must ensure that an ATM located in the store is in working condition, or at least set up credit card machines for emergency purposes.
From Mr Mohammad Zeeshan H.
Dubai

Sleeping through

It's not enough to make the presence of supervisors mandatory on school buses. My son's school bus has an attendant who settles alongside the driver's seat and goes to sleep once the bus starts moving. He wakes up only when the bus stops or a child needs to be dropped off. Meanwhile, some children continue to move around, ignoring safety standards. It must be made mandatory for the supervisor to be seated at the back of the bus and keep an eye on the children.
From Ms F. Khaiser
Dubai

Losing out

I have been trying to obtain a driver's licence since 2006 ("Dubai panel to probe learner drivers' failures", Gulf News, June 17). I have appeared for 11 tests so far and failed. I work as a bus conductor in one of the schools in Dubai and draw a Dh1,300 salary. In order to appear for a test, I have to take a minimum of eight classes, which requires me to pay Dh620 per test. Ever since I have started appearing for these tests, I haven't been able to send any money back home.
From Mr Shihab Al Deen P.
UAE

Road menace

It is appreciable that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has increased the number of examiners and plans to recruit more in the future ("We will bring only safe drivers on the roads", Gulf News, June 15). The 'knowledge test' is only for new applicants. What about unruly drivers who unleash menace on roads? Majority of the employees lack time to attend to various driving tests. In the event of a candidate failing, the examiner seldom specifies what caused an examinee's failure. I request the authorities to consider this issue while training examiners, so that one can improve and be prepared for the test next time.
From Aravindakshan P. G. K.
Abu Dhabi

Why conduct tests?

I have taken my fourth road test recently and was told by the examiner: "You drive good, but next time." Another person who took the test in the same car was failed but apparently later had his test paper corrected and passed. A question to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA): if the intention is to cut down the number of licences issued, then why conduct the tests at all?
From Mr Johnson K. Rajan
Dubai

Formula for disaster

About a week ago my wife and I were driving back home when we witnessed a line of non-hazardous waste trucks that stretched to almost 20 kilometres. As we drove by we saw the drivers patiently waiting to dump their "cargo" at the Municipality Waste Processing Facility. Their wait must have been gruelling as the line was moving painfully slow. As patient as the drivers seemed to be, to endure a long wait after spending the day collecting 'waste' is a formula for disaster. A few drivers might eventually get tired and end up dumping loads illegally. We need to address the root cause of unwanted behaviour, wherever possible, instead of simply levying fines.
From Mr Rick Advano
Dubai

No complaints

I agree with Mr Brandon's letter ("Stop complaining", Gulf News, June 16). I am a resident of Dubai for the past 25 years and have seen, enjoyed and admired the growth of this country and the personal growth that I have attained and achieved as a result. It is really painful if anyone complains about the UAE.
From Mr K. C. U. Unni
Dubai