Health hazard
As a resident of International City, I have often found that the stench of sewage is overpowering ("Two-week sewage flood hits International City", Gulf News, July 3). We cannot open our windows due to the stink, and some nights we actually wake up to putrid smell that seeps into the room through the air conditioning system. I am very concerned about the health risks that are posed by such sewage floods, especially in the case of children. The developers and the authorities must find a solution to this problem, as it is not just affecting real estate in the area, but our health and quality of life as well.
From Ms Sahar Tabaja
Dubai
Absurd
It has become unbearable for residents to tolerate the awful smell of sewage. How can real estate developers sell property and rent without providing adequate drainage systems? It is absurd. We cannot even walk due to the sewage in some areas and even pedestrian paths are blocked. There is a lot to be done in International City. I hope the authorities and the developers take the matter seriously and improve living conditions for all residents.
From Mr Said
Dubai
Website comment
No big deal
As a civil engineer and developer, I am an ardent admirer of Dubai for its marvellous developments and projects. However, I am astonished by the fact that even with great resources, the authorities have not addressed problems such as International City's sewage overflow. It is not a tremendous crisis. Sewage could easily be pumped 8 to 10 kilometres away into a large pit, treated chemically and then covered with soil. This is an elementary solution.
From Mr Narender Jain
India
Issues of hygiene
I believe the authorities should intervene and ensure that development projects comply with regulations and adhere to some basic standards when it comes to hygiene. International City's planning has yielded unfavourable results. I hope we are at least able to get returns by selling our properties.
From Mr Saurabh Shukla
Dubai
No problems
I live in the Spain cluster at International City and have never faced any issues; I have never experienced sewage stench or flooding. I was told that France and Spain are the best areas to live in within the development, as they are situated much further away from the sewage plant. Hence, these clusters are much more expensive than the others.
From Ms Eva
Dubai
Website comment
On the bright side
My wife and I have been living in International City for over a year and we have had wonderful experiences. We do get a waft of sewage stench sometimes, but it happens on rare occasions. Moreover, there are many other parts of the world that smell worse. People should look at the positive side of life, rather than constantly focusing on the negative. This is a common practice for residents in Dubai. For those who complain, all I can say is: you have choices to make, so make them. Complaining is not an option.
From Mr Sidney
Dubai
Website comment
Shift the focus
I appreciate Gulf News's coverage on the sewage crisis in International City, but a more urgent matter is the absence of mosques in the area. The entire residential area lacks a decent, spacious and permanent mosque. People have to go to Al Warsan mosque outside the development, which is insufficient in terms of size and space.
From Mr Moazzam Syed
UAE
Editor's note: For more comments, log on to www.gulfnews.com
Commendable
It is commendable that, as per the directives of the Ministry of Labour, mid-day breaks are being observed all over the country ("Most companies sticking to midday break rule", Gulf News, July 2). However, as the rule is being implemented for the welfare of workers, the authorities could consider reducing their work hours to six hours a day, rather than providing them with a three-hour rest. This system could benefit both workers and employers, as no temporary arrangements, tents or extra facilities would be required. Duty time could be managed as a straight shift, and could start earlier than usual.
From Mr Abdul Bashir C.V.
Dubai
Common problem
Nowadays, most expatriate families in the country are facing a common problem. Both the husband and wife are required to work, as one earning member is not enough to sustain a family. In such cases, what happens to their children? Parents do not have a place where they can drop off their children for 12 hours. Additionally, sponsoring a maid is an expensive affair. Companies should provide daycare facilities for employees with families. I urge the authorities to tackle this problem immediately, as most working parents are going through this difficulty.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
New language
The proposed idea for a test to evaluate pupils' Arabic skills is a welcome one ("Test to check pupils' Arabic language skills", Gulf News, July 1). However, I request the Ministry of Education to conduct the DHAD Certificate exams only after analysing the pros and cons of such tests for the expatriate community. English is an international language, so it is common for anyone in the world to know a few basic English words. But there are people from different countries for whom Arabic is a completely new language. Pupils who move to the country often struggle through Arabic exams in their schools.
From Mr Agniyah Shaikh
Sharjah
Playing a game
It seems as if the US, Israel and Iran are playing a game, and I believe neither the US nor Israel will attack their so-called enemy in the near future ("US attack on Iran likely", Gulf News, July 3). This is because the current situation is helping both the US and Iran. Oil prices have skyrocketed and since most of the oil trade is conducted in dollars, it is benefiting the US, and also directly benefiting Iran. Therefore, it is a win-win situation for both countries.
From Mr Santosh Jose
Sharjah
Partial solution
I have a partial solution to reducing traffic in Dubai. During the pleasant months from October to April, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should encourage residents to use public transport. However, from May to September, the public can use private cars, since most residents go abroad during the summer months and the traffic situation is relatively calmer.
From Mr Rajesh Vaswani
Dubai
What's the catch?
For a working person in Dubai, it is a blessing to be able to sit in the comfort of one's office and book an air ticket online. In a matter of minutes, you are ready to travel. However, there is a catch. I urge residents to look out for hidden charges, such as credit card processing fees and conversion fees if it is a foreign airline. While the booking procedure is very convenient, you may end up acquiring a ticket at the same rate or higher than if your travel agent made the booking.
From Ms Anita Nanda
Dubai
