Letters: June 8, 2012

Waiting for parking
I am not sure what to do with this news update (‘Paid parking in new Abu Dhabi areas’, Gulf News, May 30). I live in the Tourist Club area. There are absolutely no parking spaces for permit holders. On top of that all the parking areas have been covered because there is work happening. With the parking spots covered and people not being able to park their cars, it’s just increasing the frustration and nothing else. I request Mawaqif and the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport to please build parking structures in the Tourist Club area so that people can find parking easily. There are so many buildings with very few parking spots here. Please try to help the people, so they don’t get frustrated.
From Ms Farooqui
Abu Dhabi
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Same problem
What is the purpose behind implementing Mawaqif? They say it facilitates residents with a permit to get a parking space easily when they return from work. However, the reality is far from it. The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport has introduced the Mawaqif system in my area recently. There are hardly any parking spaces available for permit holders. It takes me around 45 minutes to find a parking spot. It is just as difficult to get the same in those areas where Mawaqif has not been implemented.
From Mr Omar Kafil
Abu Dhabi
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You need rules
People need to look at the positive side of the Mawaqif system and not always the negative. I live in an area where Mawaqif was deactivated temporarily because of construction. Although they provided temporary parking for free for residents in an underground parking structure, you still see people double parking, blocking each other’s cars and closing entrances to residential areas. All of that because they don’t want to walk 100 steps to their buildings from the underground parking - I think it’s lazy. This proves that some people need to be forced to abide by the law and that tough rules will keep things organised - Mawaqif is doing this. The city looks way better than it did back in 2007. You can find parking in temporary areas now to grab something on the fly and I am sure accidents and damages to cars are minimised. I know that the system is not perfect but hopefully the authorities will rectify all the issues as soon as possible.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
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Walking
They cannot match the system to the one in Dubai. What about the people who work? They have not been shown any flexibility when it comes to issuing permits. Do they want everyone to walk to the office?
From Mr Asif
Abu Dhabi
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Not enough
There are not enough parking spaces in Abu Dhabi. Sometimes we have to roam around for about an hour to find a spot at night. As we are paying for this, we deserve an area to park in.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
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Like-minded people
This is an excellent comment (‘How Obama and Putin lost Syria’, Gulf News, May 31). I agree with most of the things the author has written. It is very difficult these days, especially in the US, to have any good reports about the Middle East. All we hear is with reference to Arabs not being worthy of democracy, ‘Shiite Iran’ and ‘Sunni neighbours’ are Muslim enemies, and that Israel is the sole victim in the region… the same old stuff. I would like to read more from the author Joseph A. Kechichian in the future.
From Mr Sam
Dallas, United States
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Have what?
When did the US ever “have” Syria?
From Ms Erigena
United States
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Inconsiderate
I hope everyone informs their neighbours before doing pest control, especially when fumigating their apartment. Last week I entered my apartment after getting back from work and the strong smell of chemicals was everywhere. I had to leave my door and windows open and had to stay outside for a while. But this is not always possible because it is so hot. I hope the neighbours were more considerate. Smoking in the balcony and the hallways is another concern. I feel helpless sometimes as I don’t know whom to approach about this issue. Everyone has their way of life and everyone has their rights too but this smoke can be fatal, as I am allergic to cigarette smoke.
From Ms Agniyah Shaikh
Sharjah
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Warning!
I think that the pest control authorities should inform all residents in the building through paper notices at the main entrance or by informing the watchman. The people who are fumigating should also inform the other people on the same floor, as they might not be aware of this.
From Ms Sheeja
Abu Dhabi
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