Let's take better care of city property

Having relocated to Dubai from Muscat, I have observed and marvelled at the amount of time and effort being spent by the relevant authorities in creating a global image for Dubai and the UAE — and in trying to keep up and upgrade the same.

However, the need of the hour is to educate the expatriate public. The sights one comes across in the city are self-explanatory.

People spit everywhere and this can be a real nuisance. Not only does this evil habit disfigure and dirty our surroundings, it may also be a major contributor to some diseases.

People selling betel leaves or paan must be penalised heavily.

Additionally, as is evident in the photograph, many people abuse — and not just misuse — the seating facilities provided in beautiful avenues, such as Al Rigga Street. The complete disregard from people, who refuse to sit properly in the provided areas, can be truly disheartening.

Some ‘roadside Romeos' sit with their feet right on the bench. What is even more annoying is the fact that they dirty the seats which could actually be used correctly by women and the elderly.

A way to rectify this problem is if the relevant authorities convert the backrest of such seats into an uncomfortable zone, so that it prevents people from sitting where they shouldn't.

An easy way out is to install small, inch-wide railings behind seats, which would help prevent misuse.

The sooner this is done, the better for all.

— The reader is a marketing communications consultant, based in Dubai.

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