Letters: December 23, 2010

Heroic efforts
I have been residing in an apartment in Bur Dubai for 10 months and the elevator in our building has not been functioning properly. We requested the landlord to fix this several times, but he didn't pay any action.
 
Recently, one of the tenants in our building was using the elevator when it [stopped] between the first and second floor. He was [unable] to breathe inside the elevator. Another tenant asked me to call the police. I called them and the Dubai Police and Dubai Civil Defence rushed to our building within two minutes and saved that person's life.

After this incident, the security and person in charge of the elevator [maintenance] arrived [to fix the issue]. Those people who provide real estate should also take care of such issues. What if something had happened to that man - who would take responsibility for it? I thank the Dubai Police for their efforts!
From Mr Faisal Ahmad
Dubai

Comfortable ride
From my point of view, I am happy with the services provided by the RTA [Roads and Transport Authority] when it comes to the Dubai Metro ("Fines for passengers", Your Turn, Gulf News, December 18). I wish to congratulate the authorities for maintaining it in a systematic way.

Recently, I read reports and several letters about the Metro in Gulf News. I don't think food should be [allowed] on board the Metro. It is because when people enter the train with foodstuff in their hands, it creates a bad smell, which irritates others. Moreover, there will be a lot of litter left behind.

When people carry food with them, especially children, they have the tendency to eat at that moment, which disturbs other passengers. If food particles fall on the floor accidentally, people will not notice this due to the rush in the train and walk over it — this will destroy the cleanliness and beauty of the train. The authorities could open small shops in different corners of the stations, so that people can buy anything and eat it there and can then enjoy the ride comfortably.
From Ms Nithinsha Najeeb 
Dubai

Control your temptation 
People in the UAE, including children and adults, are tempted by all sorts of fast food. It is natural — in a fast-paced world we are forced to consume fast food. But, people forget the fact that it only takes seconds to wash, cut and eat fruits and vegetables. People get tempted seeing the colours on pizzas and burgers and accept them. But, we can survive only if we learn to resist temptations and eat what is good and healthy for us.

Our grandparents lived long because of healthy lifestyles. They also worked a lot. But, these days, people eat junk and exercise is not a part of their lives. I sincerely appreciate the anti-obesity campaign "Cut the Fat" (gulfnews.com/in-focus/cutthefat) initiated by Gulf News and I hope it makes a difference in people's lives.
From Ms Sruthi John
Dubai

Fortunate enough
Education is concerned with the development of the mind ("Nothing but paper", Your Turn, Gulf News, December 20). Its main purpose is the enhancement of an individual's ability to use his or her mind for personal pleasure or gain. Training means developing skills that will be used more for social and economic reasons than for the self. This means that education should come first and training later.

Animals, it should be noted, can be trained but they can't be educated. It is because human beings have the one capability that no other species has, the capacity to use language. Language is more than merely a means of communication. It can be used to educate and train. The education of a human is never complete till he or she dies. So we should consider ourselves fortunate that we are getting the opportunity to get educated.
From Ms Vrunda Atul Shah
UAE

Importance of recycling
It is true that schools, teachers and parents can influence children in being aware of carbon emissions and passing on the message to reduce it [to other children]. I have received some tips from my parents and school, which encouraged me to search and know more about recycling. I joined the Emirates Environment Group (EEG) as a student member, where I obtained information about "reduce, reuse and recycle". I actively participate in their awareness campaigns and cleanup drives.

Now, I am keen on saving resources and force my younger sister to control water and electricity usage. She switches off the lights and closes water taps immediately after use. Earlier, we used to keep the taps on till we finished brushing or even wasted water while taking a bath. But, after getting information about conserving resources, my life has completely changed.

You can reduce the usage of water by installing water-saving devices and dual flush mechanism in the water closet. I'm collecting waste paper and plastic and give it to EEG every fortnight. I have planted a tree in the backyard of my father's office and we go there once a week to water it.

I urge the authorities to make it compulsory to teach all students about the basics of conserving and recycling. They would be educating a generation about the importance of protecting resources and the environment. I am confident that I am doing my small part and will try to teach my friends about the importance of recycling.
From Ms Aswathi Ajith
Dubai