Letters to the Editor - October 10, 2009

Where are our priorities?
When will we stop bickering about uranium enrichment and pay attention to the greater issues of this world (“Iran nuclear nod may be too late,” Gulf News, October 4)? There are some fathers who never get the opportunity to see their children. And why is that? Some mothers are drowning in debt while some children get murdered by their own parents. And why is that? Will eyeing each other’s nuclear powers help resolve such issues? If not, what will — a new world order, equality of men and women or a single world currency? Please stop complaining and bickering. Instead, pay attention to the many innocent lives being lost. I wish the effort, time and money wasted on “world” issues could be put to better use.
From Ms Verity H. Sobhani
Dubai

Practise what you preach
It is quite embarrassing to note that the United States and its nuclear allies have yet to officially recognise other countries with nuclear power. In this modern world, security is a major concern for everyone, and to safeguard their personal interests each country has its own way of looking at things, unless a coordinated effort is made to improve the welfare of people. Tomorrow, it could be another country adopting nuclear technology and building weapons for its own safety. It proves that the world is advancing and everybody is learning from each other. Iran, being in the spotlight ever since its nuclear ambitions became public, is now facing economic sanctions and isolation from the rest of the world in various aspects. The international community should first urge other nuclear states to completely abandon their stock of weapons and then ask Iran to follow suit. The effective implementation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) or Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) would not be possible unless and until the objectives are clear and transparent. Prior to which all countries, including the so-called nuclear powers, must destroy their weapons. Talking about the CTBT and NPT would then make sense to rest of the world.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Ruwi, Oman

Don’t discourage us
The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) should consider the fact that there are certain people whose consumption of electricity and power supply is minimal or very low. This is juxtaposed against people who continue to use unnecessary electrical items and keep the appliances switched on at all times. Such people do not bother or may not be affected by an increase in charges. This is my request — please save power by switching off appliances when not in use. Additionally, I would request Sewa to appreciate those residents who make the extra effort to consume less electricity and save power. Don’t increase the fee for everyone. If Sewa imposes the increased charges on all residents, most may no longer make the effort to save vital resources.
From Mr S. Parthasarathi
Dubai

Instant relief
The electricity situation in Sharjah is pathetic. The repeated power cuts continue to affect the lives of residents in certain areas. Adding insult to injury are the newly increased tariff rates for electricity consumption. Sewa was already charging an exorbitant amount. Now, the maintenance will be borne by the end user — us. If there is a shortage of power, why not provide electricity to different areas based on slots. Better still, switch off alternate street lights if not required. This might be difficult to begin with but could provide immediate relief to many harassed residents.
From Mr Anil Bhatia
Sharjah

Not justified
It has been less than a year since Sewa started implementing an additional charge of Dh70 as part of the increased electricity rates. Now they have decided to increase the rates by 50 per cent! A minimal increase is justifiable, but not what is being presently done. This is wrong.
From Mr S. Ebrahim
Dubai

No indication
Perhaps during this time of the global economic recession a simple method of cost cutting for car manufacturers might be to eliminate indicators from cars sold in this region. Nine out of 10 vehicles never use indicators, whether it is for switching lanes or for making a turn. I fail to understand what these drivers are trying to prove. Lots of unnecessary accidents could be avoided if indicators were used!
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request