Moment of triumph
A cherished dream of its people was fulfilled when Nepal was recently declared a republic, thus ending the 240-year-old monarchy ("A republic is born in Nepal", Gulf News, May 30).
This is certainly a moment of triumph for the brave Nepalese who were able to achieve it after more than a decade of struggle.
The victory has not only filled the nation and its people with hope, but also sounds a warning bell to the country's future leaders - no more false promises will be accepted.
The welfare of the country and its people must be a foremost priority. Nepalese expect real service, not lip service.
They want the guarantee of food, clothes, shelter and a peaceful future from the new government.
From Mr Chandra Kumar Phuyal
Al Ain
Addicted to news
I have been a regular reader of Gulf News for the past 11 years and truly believe the newspaper has contributed to advancing my career and knowledge.
All the information I have read over the years has helped develop my confidence to speak intelligently in social gatherings or at office meetings.
I once read about a basic computer course in the paper, and I went ahead and did it; little knowing that it would help get me a job.
Regular gold and currency exchange rates help keep me updated, and I often visit the website.
From Ms Anjali
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Bold decision
Dubai has taken a bold decision by imposing a smoking ban in public places and prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to those under the age of 20 ("Dubai bans cigarette sales to under-20s as world marks No Tobacco Day", Gulf News, June 1).
Smoking is classified as one of the causes of cancer, an illness that has become very common among the younger generation.
In many countries, smoking has been officially banned from public places such as transport facilities, cinemas, and public properties. Dubai's ban deserves applause.
But to be effective, the policy should be implemented and monitored strictly.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Ruwi, Oman
Rent stress
As a student, I am very tired of watching my parents undergo so much stress and tension just because of the rent.
Since the expiry of our tenancy contract, our landlord has been avoiding us.
He has made it clear with his evasive behaviour that he wants a rent increase of more than six per cent and that he is willing to evict us so that he can charge new tenants the increased price.
It is extremely frustrating for us because we would like to live as any normal expatriate family.
From Mr Rahul Makwana
Dubai
Not an excuse
The absence of neighbourhood playgrounds and parks is not a good enough excuse to allow children to play cricket and football in parking lots and building corridors.
Several cars receive scratches or dents as a result, but we usually overlook the damage because of the children's young age.
However, I believe parents should be held accountable.
If their children do not have adequate places for activities in dense city areas, they must be taught to play indoor games or arrangements must be made to take them to playgrounds and parks.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Make matters worse
I honestly think the introduction of more Salik tollgates is a ridiculous idea ("Salik takes its toll on Dubai drivers", Gulf News, May 29).
Paying Dh4 every time we cross a tollgate is unheard of, and now we have to face four new gates!
Dubai Metro's completion date is still a year away, and as the city's public transportation system is not entirely ready, it makes matters worse.
Why doesn't the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) add tollgates once the Metro is open to public?
People cannot keep spending hours on the road, especially when Salik is not helping ease traffic.
From Ms Juanita Dohne Sulaiman
Dubai
High expectations
As a concept, Salik is a good one, but middle-income residents cannot afford to drive through the tollgates every day.
When people are finding it difficult to make a decent living with the skyrocketing costs and rent, how can they regularly be expected to pay Dh24?
As a result, most will be forced to take alternate routes and it will only cause the congestion to spread to other places.
From Ms Kaveri Manoharan
Abu Dhabi
Salik stress
It is surprising to note that when prices of all essential items, rents, and oil are on the rise, Dubai residents are forced to face more anxiety in the form of Salik.
I request the authorities to share their reasons for adding more tollgates. So far, no adequate alternative modes of transport have been provided.
I urge the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to postpone installing new tollgates until the Dubai Metro is fully operational and a good public transport system is in place.
From Mr Venkat Sharma
Dubai
Hard enough
I am extremely annoyed by the recent development regarding the installation of new Salik tollgates on Al Maktoum Bridge and on Shaikh Zayed Road.
It is hard enough for Dubai residents to cope with the ever-increasing cost of living, but the news that more tollgates will be installed within the city is appalling.
I would rather just stay in Bur Dubai and never visit Deira, just in case I end up with a fine.
From Ms Safoora Masoud
Dubai
Bad news
By no means does Salik help in curbing traffic. In fact, areas that previously used to be relatively clear are now congested because of the tollgates.
Additionally, I am sure everyone is aware of how congested Shaikh Zayed Road becomes during peak hours.
I understand the fact that in several locations, if Salik did not exist, the traffic conditions would have been much worse.
But as a resident of Al Barsha, my convenient entry and exit point to Shaikh Zayed Road has become bad news, no matter what time it is.
From Mr Mahdi Raza
Dubai
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