April 28, 2008

Peace, not war
While reading the recent comments made by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton about Iran, I felt that her take on the world's situation is completely contrary to her husband's ("Clinton says US could 'obliterate' Iran", Gulf News, April 22).

I wonder why world leaders think of war and destruction when they should instead think along the lines of tolerance and patience in dealing with international disputes and bringing countries together.

The US has done enough damage in Iraq and Afghanistan. They should bring peace to these countries first before thinking of attacking yet another one.
From Ms Priti MacKinnon
Dubai

Not fair
As a parent, I am deeply concerned about Global Education Management Systems' (GEMS) decision to outsource its school transportation ("Dubai private school group moves to outsource bus service", Gulf News, April 23).

My fear stems from the fact that outsourcing has generally resulted in a decrease in the quality and reliability of the service being provided.

This is due to a lack of proper, dedicated and institutionalised supervision and control.

It is not fair for parents to have to send their children on a private bus when they have to pay seven or eight times more than usual.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request

Huge burden
I request the Ministry of Education to enforce a new law whereby schools in the country will have to submit their individual audited accounts to the authorities and justify their earnings.

External auditors should be responsible for managing their accounts.

With the new strategy of transport outsourcing, GEMS schools will add huge financial burdens on parents who will always remain concerned about the safety of their children.
From Mr Mohammad Abdul Q.
Dubai

In unsafe hands
I am very concerned about the move by GEMS to outsource their transportation. It raises issues such as the safety of children and how much responsibility the school or transport provider is willing to take.

If the school's only concern is the rise in running costs, I request the authorities to provide approval for the school to increase their transport fees.

At least this way parents will be less stressed knowing their children are in safe hands, even if it is at an extra cost.

I urge GEMS schools to please look for an alternative means to continue school transport.
From Ms Uma Ram
UAE

No parking
Parking has always been a problem in Abu Dhabi, but the issue has now become even more serious due to the fact that the number of people parking in the middle of the road has increased dramatically.

No one is to blame for this, since there are not enough parking spaces in the city to accommodate the ever-increasing number of vehicles.

The authorities need to find a solution to this problem.
From Ms Trija Thomas
Abu Dhabi

Excellent solution
I think running a bus service will be an excellent solution to the gruelling traffic congestion in Sharjah ("Sharjah to operate city bus service from next month", Gulf News, April 22).

However, it will also cause several problems.

If the authorities do not provide a special lane for their inter-city buses, it may create more chaos, as they would simply add large vehicles to the small and congested roads of Sharjah.

Additionally, if a lane were provided, it would mean that buses have the right of way.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request

Too narrow
I wonder if starting a bus service in Sharjah is a practical solution for its residents. The authorities could examine the traffic situation and the various routes before they start this project.

Most of the roads in the city are narrow and not well maintained. Cars are usually parked haphazardly, and sometimes when there is no space, they are parked on the pavement.

In some roads, it is difficult for cars to pass through, so how will big buses be able to move?

Until the roads are clear and wide enough for buses to run, I think people can manage with taxis.
From Ms Punam Shaheen
Sharjah

Lower rates
It is time for banks to reduce interest rates in order to ease the lives of their customers ("FNC addresses growing personal loan problem", Gulf News, April 23).

Heavy interest rates cause borrowers to worry about their finances, which is why they decide not to take a loan.

It is always better to recover the loan with a low interest rate instead of creating defaulters.

Every borrower will think of staying away from loans due to the high interest rates and hidden costs.
From Mr N. Balasubramanian
Dubai

Ban painkillers
Too much of anything is never good for one's health ("Panadol hoax does the rounds again this year", Gulf News, April 22).

We often take painkillers without prescriptions, even when we have mild headaches.

Several doctors also prescribe tablets for fever and pain relief, which is ironic as they then advise us not to take the painkillers if we experience any side effects.

It is better if the authorities advise residents on how often these medicines should be taken.

I suggest banning painkillers from supermarkets and permitting them to be bought only from pharmacies.
From Mr N. S. Masoud
Dubai

Waiting for change
I recently stood on Jumeirah Beach Road in the blistering heat for almost an hour and did not have a single opportunity to hail a taxi. It was unbelievable.

We have heard claims that the taxi services will be improved and more taxis will be added, but it seems the problem is only getting worse.

Fewer taxis are willing to stop and some drivers refuse to drive to our desired destination.

All this results in more people opting for a bus, calling for taxis from their residences or waiting eagerly for the Dubai Metro to open.
From Ms Linda Christensen
Dubai

No space
I am sure that the number of cars in Dubai is much more than the number of parking spaces available.

This means if all cars have to be parked for a day, many will have to look for space on the pavement.

Residents who cannot find parking during the night should be allowed to park in the side lanes, provided that they are not inconveniencing anyone else.

I urge the authorities to look into this serious problem, as there is absolutely no space available in the evenings, especially in Bur Dubai.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request