June 22, 2008

Stop complaining!
It is high time that people stop complaining about the lack of pedestrian crossings in their cities.

Despite there being a pedestrian bridge on Al Wahda Street in Sharjah, I have seen people darting across the street, just because they are too lazy to walk a few metres to get to the bridge.

It seems as if jumping over the barriers on dividers and trying to avoid being hit by speeding vehicles is easier than walking to pedestrian bridges or subways.
From Mr Saji Sreedharan Pillai
Dubai

Support appreciated
I forgot to carry my passport to the typing centre to apply for a new visa, recently. With my previous visa cancelled and barely two weeks to make a new one, I was completely stressed.

But because of the extremely efficient and friendly support extended by the Sharjah police, I got my original passport back and could complete the visa formalities.

I would like to thank the Sharjah police for their excellent service and timely assistance.
From Ms Srividya S. G.
Sharjah

Compare and charge
I was hoping that Gulf News could report on internet service in Dubai and its price compared to the rest of the world.

I was shocked to find that my sister in India gets her 512kbps internet connection for Rs350 (Dh30) a month, and yet in Dubai, the costs are much higher.

A short while ago, I visited Copenhagen in Denmark and found that one could get a 10mbps connection for as low as 400 kroner (Dh283) a month. I think Dubai should compare itself to the world.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Boarding hassles
On November 3, 2007, I paid Rs22,980 (Dh1,967) to book two tickets on Jazeera Airways for my daughters who are studying in Mumbai, India, so that they could travel on December 22, 2007.

But on the date of departure, my daughters were not allowed to board the flight. The reason provided to them was that their residence visas were invalid because they had overstayed.

I tried explaining to a representative that college students were exempted from this rule because, as per UAE law, as long as they had their student identification card as well as a certificate from their college, they are allowed to travel.

But they were still denied permission to board and so missed their flight. The next day, I booked tickets for them from another airline, which cost me Rs27,820 (Dh2,383).

They were allowed to board the airplane and when they landed, they did not face any problem at the airport.
From Mr Verghese Chandy
Abu Dhabi

Editor's note: The complaint was forwarded to Jazeera Airways for comments. However, despite repeated reminders, its management has failed to respond.

Wake up
It is terribly upsetting that there are readers such as Mr Brandon who uphold the view that we should stop complaining about issues or leave the country ("Stop complaining", Gulf News, June 16).

In every civilised society, voicing one's opinion or view is an inherent right.

If the community speaks up about high inflation, traffic woes or other such issues, it does not mean they want to pack up and leave.

I urge Mr Brandon to wake up. Just as he suggested, readers have the option to either read or ignore the issues others are discussing.
From A Reader
Washington DC, USA
Name withheld by request

A place to rest
Ras Al Khaimah Labour Department's step to provide labourers with a comfortable resting space is a very impressive one ("Mobile chalets to be provided for Ras Al Khaimah labourers", Gulf News, June 17).

I think this initiative should be taken up throughout the UAE, and all year long. The workers require adequate rest areas where they can spend time during their mid-day breaks.

I have often seen workers resting on metal bars at construction sites and labourers taking a nap under the scorching sun.

It is time to impose such rules on all contracting companies.
From Ms Rania Darwish
Dubai

Patient staff
I think the accusations made against the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) examiners is absolutely untrue ("Dubai panel to probe learner drivers' failures", Gulf News, June 17).

I received my driving licence after my first test and found that the RTA staff was extremely patient.

They even took the time to tell each one of us why we passed or failed. They are doing a wonderful job.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Undercover job
I completely agree with the letter by Mr David May ("Aliens are watching", Your turn, Gulf News, June 15). There is no point in increasing the prices of cigarettes.

Smokers who cannot stay without their smoking fix would be ready to pay any price for a pack of cigarettes.

In the case of teenagers, the only way to control the problem is by ensuring that undercover police officers organise a crackdown on supermarkets that sell cigarettes to anyone below the age of 18 years.

Introducing a complete ban on the sale of tobacco would also help.
From Mr Suyog Pradhan
Dubai

No option
The recent Gulf News report regarding a 50 per cent increase in Dubai's rent was very disturbing ("Dubai house rents rose 50% in 2007", Gulf News, June 18).

This is a clear indication that landlords are exploiting tenants, especially by taking advantage of loopholes in the rules.

Tenants have no option but to abide by their landlords' orders, without being able to voice their grievances.

It is strange that this is happening, despite the existing rent cap rules. I request the authorities to urgently bring the situation under control.
From Mr Rajesh Aryajeet
Dubai