Problem solved
Gulf News was kind enough to print a Community Report I sent (‘Bags hiding new traffic lights an eyesore', Gulf News, April 29). A few days ago when on Al Khaleej Road I noticed that the authorities have since covered the non-operational traffic lights with new blue jute bags and they look very nice. I was not sure that the news and readers' opinions published in Gulf News would catch the immediate attention of the authorities and that they would take quick action. Now this is also confirmed by the recent survey that Gulf News is the most read newspaper in the UAE. Hats off to Gulf News and the authorities.
From Mr Mohammad Ejaz Ahmad
Dubai
Who's to answer to this?
I think this is a big scam (‘Tower cladding in UAE fuels fire', Gulf News, May 2). Where did these materials come from? Were there no inspectors to check? Or were they just sitting and waiting to watch the consequences? There has to be an answer from all the departments involved in making these skyscrapers. Also, what is the solution to this problem now - 500 skyscrapers to be demolished and built again? Are the safety measures being taken now, despite it being too late?
From Ms Rakhee Mansukhani
Dubai
What next?
So what happens next? Are we going to wait for more fires to happen to make a big change? In the past three years in the UAE I have seen five buildings on fire in my neighbourhood - it is unbelievable! I request the authorities to look into this seriously and there should be a strong decision made to change the cladding material on all the buildings.
From Ms Maaz
Sharjah
Unacceptable
This is very scary (‘Experts shed light on how fires spread in towers', Gulf News, May 2)! My building has a fire alarm system and a fire hose reel. But it didn't work when it had to. There was a small fire on the seventh floor and we didn't know about it until my friend who lives in the opposite building rang to tell me. The security man was not trained for this - he couldn't even use a fire extinguisher. The stairs are sometimes blocked with furniture or used bicycles and the emergency lights in one of the stairways don't work. This is totally unacceptable but due to financial restrictions we tend to continue living this way. The standards have to be revised and monitored often and building owners should be slapped with huge fines if they don't comply.
From A Reader
Sharjah
The right way
This is great news (‘Domestic workers get more protection from exploitation', Gulf News, May 2)! It's moving in the right direction for the country as it provides relief for many who work in that field.
From Mr Ahmad
Mombasa, Kenya
Fairness for both sides
The authorities should keep the rules of the housemaids because three months after they reach the UAE they refuse to work and ask to go back to their home country. We are paying all that money to bring them here so they should pay for all the expenses if they don't complete their two-year contract.
From Ms Umm Rawan
Dubai
Change in policy
I don't think the world has experienced any difference since Osama Bin Laden was killed (‘A year after Bin Laden: Is Al Qaida's game over?', Gulf News, May 2). What changes did that incident bring to our lives? It seems that the West simply needs an enemy to poke their nose in each and every country in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan. So now that Bin Laden is dead they will find another enemy. From the report itself it's understood that they are going to turn towards Yemen and other Middle Eastern countries. It's never going to be over. When they say that terrorists are targeting the US, why don't they give the reason for it? Why should some people hiding in the mountains of Afghanistan attack the US? It's high time the US reviews its policies. A country cannot expect to be safe when its troops are all over the world and the people residing there detest them.
From A Reader
Dubai
Losing lives
Whatever the war may be, ask those who lost their dear ones. When one person dies the entire family suffers. This war took precious lives.
From Ms Sana
Sharjah
Starting the process
I work in a bank and my visa expires next month (June 8, 2012), so what can I do (‘Residents urged to sign up for Emirates ID card by month-end', Gulf News, May 2)? My HR department will begin the process next month. Could you kindly advise?
From A Reader
Ajman
Editor's note: The Nation section responded - residents whose visas are expiring until the end of this year can apply for the ID cards at the time of renewal of their visas.
If you would like to share your views or write to the newspaper, log on to www.gulfnews.com or email us at readers@gulfnews.com
