Heal the world
Global warming will have serious consequences if it isn't controlled immediately. Most people think that global warming just means the next generation might never be able to see a polar bear.
In reality, however, the effects are far worse. Due to global warming, the Earth's temperature will increase drastically.
As a result of climate change, the polar ice caps will melt, causing the world's oceans to rise by 20 to 40 inches. T
his means most of the coastal cities will probably be flooded. But such news should not send us straight from apathy to despair.
We must reduce, reuse and recycle, and encourage others to do so as well! Don't litter, cut down on plastic and be pro-active.
If we do our bit to save the environment, our planet will be as good as new.
From Ms Zahra Ali Asghar
Dubai
Welcome move
Emirates Gas and Emarat deserve appreciation for launching new safety valves for gas cylinders ("All gas cylinders in Dubai to have improved safety valves", Gulf News, April 9).
As residents, we are usually cautious when using gas for domestic purposes. But sometimes, it is not possible for us to follow certain precautionary procedures because of time constraints.
Thankfully, the new safety valve will protect users better against related calamities, such as the loss of lives, damage to property and injuries due to fire.
We welcome such preventive measures.
From Ms Kalaimani K.
Dubai
Easier access
I was delighted to read the report on new safety valves for gas cylinders in Dubai. However, I believe buildings should also provide safety valves near gas stoves.
Since the cylinders are usually installed further away, such as on the terrace or in an adjacent room, it would be difficult to stop a fire.
If a safety valve is near the stove, residents can even take the extra precaution of closing the valve before leaving their homes.
I request that this aspect be considered in the interest of public safety.
From Mr Sanjay K.
Dubai
Nasty surprise
Every day we hear or read about new steps taken by the authorities to keep a check on the skyrocketing inflation ("'Service charge' doesn't hold water", Gulf News, April 7).
I recently received a water and electricity bill from the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) that amounted to Dh141 with a service charge of Dh150.
If there is any drastic increase in charges, residents should be informed about it well in advance.
As everyone is experiencing a rise in the cost of living, this sharp increase in service charges comes as a nasty surprise.
From Mr Hameed Kadher Mustafa
Sharjah
Uphold justice
I wish to congratulate the Public Prosecution in Dubai as well as the UAE's judicial system for setting a good example of justice in the region ("Dubai's highest court upholds 15-year jail term for two who raped a boy", Gulf News, April 7).
I hope they continue to keep up the good work. Potential criminals would learn a lesson from the plight of those who are now going to prison.
From Mr Asif Ahmad
Dubai
Not enough
Warning people to be careful while driving is not enough ("Two children, aged 2 and 3, killed in separate accidents in Al Ain", Gulf News, April 8).
Are the authorities introducing other preventive measures after the recent spate of accidents?
Installing more cameras on the roads is a useless endeavour, because motorists remember where they are positioned and easily escape speeding fines.
The authorities need to implement further measures to prevent accidents.
From Mr Usman Khan
Sharjah
Petty reason
The Indian Member of Parliament (MP) P. V. Abdul Wahab, must be stopped from moving a privilege motion in parliament against the Air India pilot ("MP threatens privilege motion against pilot", Gulf News, April 9).
I have witnessed similar incidents where MPs hold up planes for petty reasons while ignoring the plight of passengers.
Ironically, most of the MPs do not even pay for their airfare!
From Mr Hemant Rao
Dubai
Doubtful
If the concerned authorities take appropriate steps to relocate the used car showrooms from Sharjah's Abu Shagara area, it will come as a great relief to residents ("Sharjah to shift used car showrooms and ease residents' parking woes", Gulf News, April 8).
But we are doubtful, as the same initiative was reported several months ago. However, no such step was taken. I hope it will be a different case this time.
From Mr Biju
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Toll at borders
I think the authorities should install tollgates at the borders of Dubai leading to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and not within the city itself.
The true function of a tollgate is to control the number of people entering and leaving a certain place. I urge the concerned authorities to consider this idea.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Stuck in Sharjah
I congratulate the Roads and Transport Authority for improving the traffic situation in Dubai ("Final phase of Emirates Road widening project is over", Gulf News, April 8).
The Dubai Bypass Road and the recent expansion of Emirates Road have reduced my travel time from Sharjah to Jebel Ali by almost 40 minutes.
However, I lose a lot of time just trying to exit Sharjah. Additionally, it takes an hour, and sometimes an hour and a half, to get back home as well.
Blockades by the Sharjah Police at exits to Emirates Road have worsened the situation.
From Mr Chandrasekhar Rao
Sharjah
Respect pedestrians
As a resident of Ras Al Khaimah, I am very concerned about the great number of accidents that occur in the country almost every day.
I think a primary reason for this is the fact that many motorists do not respect the rights of pedestrians.
At Al Nakheel Road, I have to wait until the road is completely empty before attempting to cross. However, my experience was very different in the US.
Whenever I wanted to cross the road in the US, the motorists would slow down from afar and stop to give me way. Why don't motorists here do the same?
From A Reader
Ras Al Khaimah
Name withheld by request
Tap water is safe
I agree with Mr Terry Shields, who mentioned in his letter that tap water in the UAE is safe to drink ("How safe is tap water?", Gulf News, April 8).
I have been residing in Dubai for the past 30 years and still drink the tap water provided by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa).
From Mr Rosario Fernandes
Dubai
Risky roundabout
The roundabout on Emirates Road that leads to Green Community near Dubai Investment Park is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous and frightening ones in Dubai.
It is high time that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reconsidered and designed major changes to some of its road works, especially at the exit towards Green Community.
It will help save motorists who are at a constant risk of colliding with the large number of trailers and trucks.
From Mr Adarsh Chandra
Dubai
International icon
American actor Charlton Heston will always be remembered for his brilliant, outstanding portrayals in cinema ("Charlton Heston: A life of epic proportions", Gulf News, April 7).
He set new standards in cinema that made him an international icon. Actors like him come only once in a generation.
From Mr Rajendra K. Aneja
Dubai
Gulf News Readers Club member
