Anonymous buildings
The move to revamp the city's address system is a good one and I thank the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for initiating it ("Dubai address system revamp will help public locate places easily", Gulf News, June 8).
Additionally, the authorities should make it compulsory for all buildings in the city to be named.
Buildings under the same management could also have block numbers to make it easier for residents to identify their location.
Some buildings are often referred to by the name of a store that existed in its place years ago, and this can be quite confusing for newcomers.
From Ms Usha Babu
Sharjah
Brighter future
Gulf News must be highly commended for its efforts in creating awareness and initiating action for a cleaner and greener environment ("Gulf News makes an effort to save environment", Gulf News, June 8).
Additionally, I am pleased to see how hard children are working to make the world a better place. They are certainly our future and it is good to see that we are setting up a brighter one.
The media's global role in creating the right amount of drive in this effort has to be appreciated. Together, I am sure we will uphold our duty to protect mother Earth.
From Ms Preeta Reghunath
Ras Al Khaimah
Make it last
I hope clean-up campaigns such as the one at Fisherman's Port in Jumeirah are not temporary ("Clean-up in Dubai waters yields loads of rubbish", Gulf News, June 5).
Such initiatives should be encouraged by the authorities and carried out all over the UAE. Clean-up drives are especially required in parks and residential areas.
Although there are laws that discourage people to litter, many do not seem to care about the environment.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Why so reluctant?
As there are road works being carried out in virtually all parts of Dubai, why is the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) so reluctant to remove the barricades on the road heading towards Al Mamzar from Sharjah?
This would undoubtedly help reduce the traffic load. The exit could be closed after the current construction phase is over. There seems to be road expansions and construction projects occurring everywhere at the same time.
Opening Al Mamzar Road would allow the traffic to be fairly distributed and it would also reduce congestion on Al Ittihad Road.
From Mr Jitendra Ambekar
UAE
Long wait
I submitted an application for the renewal of my passport to the Indian Association Sharjah at the end of March and received my passport on April 19.
When reviewing my passport, I was shocked to notice a number of spelling mistakes, because of which I had to write to the Indian Consulate to apply for a new passport.
I fail to understand why it took them more than 45 days to do something about it. Their staff members say the long wait period is normal.
How can they function like this? I ask the Indian Consulate to please clean up this mess.
From Mr Rony Joseph Fernandes
Dubai
Name withheld by request
The Indian Consulate replies:
It is true that certain spelling mistakes in the names of the parents of the reader had crept into the passport that was issued to him.
We have already apologised to the applicant for the inconvenience caused to him. A new passport with correct details was provided to the reader on May 13.
The mistake occurred because of lack of attention to detail by two of our staff members who were responsible for entering the names and verifying the same. They have been reprimanded for their failure and directed to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated in the future.
Old is bold
Some motorists behave very irresponsibly on the roads as they feel they are exempt from following traffic rules and regulations just because they have driving licences ("Plan to issue probational driving licences", Gulf News, June 4).
This can be observed through the rash and erratic driving by taxi drivers, private bus drivers and other motorists.
I don't think new drivers are the problem; it is the older ones who do not obey traffic rules.
Those who recently passed their driving tests are newly educated on theory and road rules; they are more careful drivers than the experienced ones.
From Mr Paul Munji
Dubai
Stand up
Nowadays, bus drivers do not allow passengers to stand in buses and they often claim that the bus is full when all the seats are occupied.
This was not the case earlier, as bus drivers used to allow passengers to stand, in order to accommodate more commuters.
I urge Road and Transport Authority (RTA) officials to pay a visit to bus stops during the morning and evening rush hours.
They would then be able to see the suffering of passengers who have been waiting in queues for a long time.
I think at least 15 standing passengers should be allowed in buses at all times.
From Mr Philipose A. G.
Dubai
Postal code
It is great to hear that the authorities have decided to change the existing address system, as it is often extremely difficult to locate an address without going around the area a few times. Why don't the authorities also consider implementing a postal code system such as the one in the US and Europe?
From Mr Irshad
London, UK
Welcome move
Revamping addresses is a great idea. I often find it difficult to tell people the exact address of my residence, and I am sure others have the same problem. I believe this move will be highly welcomed by all.
From Mr Munir
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
No mail at home
We have often suffered when using post box numbers instead of residential addresses. It is surprising to note that even today, the city does not have any mechanism in place by which we can receive our mail directly at home. The decision to revamp the address system is a very good one.
From Mr Amit
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Time for change
It is time for a complete transformation of the city's address system because it will allow people to locate their destinations much more easily. Residents will also be able to receive their utility bills and other correspondences on time.
Most of us are expatriates and we tend to change our residences frequently. Post box numbers are usually based on our companies or head offices, so if we are assigned to work in another emirate, we often receive our bills late. This causes a lot of problems, such as delayed payments and fines.
From Ms Darlene
Dubai
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