Letters: October 2, 2012

Immune to it

Yet another disease or epidemic is around the corner (‘WHO issues global alert over new virus’, Gulf News, September 26). Honestly, I’m getting bored of this. Every year there’s a new outbreak. I don’t remember this happening so often two decades ago. It seems that it’s more like a fashion trend – what’s the new disease that’s out this year? How can viruses come out so frequently, isn’t that a bit strange? I understand that the world population is increasing drastically, but our technology is also getting better in terms of curing people and preventing outbreaks or formation of new viruses. I hope this virus either disappears or they find a vaccine for, as they have done with previous ones, and it would become part of last season’s collection.

From Mr Faisal Ahmad

Umm Al Quwain

What’s wrong on the road?

I have seen many accidents – some minor and some major ones – and I have observed that most of the motorists use their mobile phone while driving. Another issue that is very common is people driving with their lights on full beam, even if they are not required. Roads in the UAE are very well lit – they are facilitated with automated lights that turn on when it’s dark. However, drivers still turn on their bright lights – they are either unaware or are intentionally doing so to disturb others. The third point, and probably the worst one, is that some motorists drive over the speed limit, and will force you to either drive faster or change lanes immediately. They also try to threaten you by driving closer. I have seen two accidents happen due to such rough behaviour.

From Mr Mohammad Enam Al Deen

UAE

Water disappearing

We should all be grateful to our city planners. However, it frustrates me to see sprinklers coming on during the day. Surely more water is lost through evaporation rather than used to nourish the trees, grass and plants. Could we ensure that plant irrigation is done before dawn or after dusk? It’s a win-win situation for all, don’t you agree?

From Mr Raj Dorai

Abu Dhabi

All in one

Why is the municipality focusing on building a crocodile park when the proposed plan for building and shifting the animals from Dubai Zoo to a new zoo in Dubailand is still pending (‘Crocodile Park in Dubai by 2013’, Gulf News, September 26)? We feel sad for those animals who are still suffering in the heat and in small cages. I think that focusing on building just one zoo for animals and crocodiles at one location in Mushrif Park would be a great plan.

From A Reader

Dubai

Website comment

Don’t answer

Dismiss anything you read on social media – it’s not how the authorities deliver their message (‘Police urge residents to dismiss rumours’, Gulf News, September 26). It is common sense to not answer the door if a stranger knocks. If it is the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) or maintenance or anything similar, your building management would inform you beforehand of such visits.

From Mr Prakhar Prajapati

Dubai

Website comment

Forgotten

Just two weeks ago I commented on this topic stating that for the past five-and-a-half years that I have lived in the UAE I heard about so many deaths due to falling from an open window or balcony (‘Abu Dhabi to insist on window safety fixtures’, Gulf News, September 26). I also suggested that the authorities should have strict safety rules while a building is being constructed, as the safety related to windows and balconies seem to be forgotten. I am happy that this is being implemented now by the authorities in Abu Dhabi, but this is a must in all emirates. Building completion certificate should be refused by municipal authorities if the safety norms for windows and balconies are not followed.

From Mr Pradeep

Pune, India

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