Comply, please
Gulf News's report on the villa fire that killed many was sad and painful to read ("Death toll in Naif blaze expected to rise," Gulf News August 27). In the recent months, a lot of fires have taken place in factories, warehouses and residential areas. This recent incident is simply pathetic. This happens despite the fact that the Civil Defence carries out periodical checks. Another reason could be residents who do not comply with the department's requirements. Every place should have fire extinguishers installed at various points, for easy access. I pray for the victims and their families.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Ajman
Carelessness
This is a great tragedy. All people involved in the fire mishap were probably low-income individuals trying to make ends meet. Nevertheless, someone, from among the 500 residing in the building, has been careless. Home gas cylinders are very safe even if used extensively. Thereby, in this case, it seems that residents did not maintain the crucial rubber parts. My stomach coils when I try to imagine the real situation, as it would have happened. The Civil Defence is very competent and willing to give it all. However, if we, as residents, do not show concern or are casual about our safety, then we are to blame.
From Ms Leslie Urban Fernandes
Dubai
Dangerous habit
People who live in villas, especially bachelors, should be aware of the surroundings and safety hazards involved. Some teenagers are in the habit of throwing away used and lit cigarettes at garbage collection points. This can be dangerous as it can immediately lead to a fire. The age-old adage remains, "prevention is always better than cure".
From Mr Mohammad Saif Al Deen
Kerala, India
Safety measures
Fires seem to have become a common occurrence these days. As far as the facility of workers is concerned, there needs to be a better safety arrangement, in order to avoid similar incidents in the future. It was quite embarrassing to read that 500 people were housed in 30 rooms! Such accidents reveal the ignorance of most people regarding the need to follow basic safety requirements in residential and commercial buildings, particularly in labour accommodations.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Ruwi, Oman
Part of my childhood
Gulf News is a wonderful part of my childhood memories. I remember how my father would buy us a copy, almost every day, on the way to school. We would pay the money to the newsboy as soon as the car stopped at a signal. When Junior News was available, I used to win a lot of prizes. My father won Dh1,000 for being a subscriber. As a regular reader, I have always enjoyed reading the newspaper and simply adore the pictures used. Good work team!
From Ms S. Fatima
Sindh, Pakistan
Irrelevant
This is with reference to Gulf News's report on the Katy Perry's song, recently. The newspaper is guilty of editorialising under the guise of news journalism. What a one-sided paean to imposed strictures of perceived morality! Smarter readers might realise that this is a song played on Western radio stations for Western audiences. The interviewees used were from outside this demographic and so are irrelevant to the report.
From Mr Winston Dexter
Dubai
Improving services
I would like to thank Gulf News for addressing my complaint against Mashreq Bank. Due to all the efforts put in, the problem has finally been resolved. I collected my payment with a lot of help from the branch manager. I appreciate the fact that the media takes up such complaints, as it will definitely help people and companies improve their services.
From Ms Kauser Kazmi
UAE
Affordable homes
There should be a survey on what percentage of people can afford to pay high rent. One needs to pay at least Dh10,000, in order to book a one-bedroom apartment in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The new tenancy rules coupled with visa regulations that specify the kind of housing people should have based on salaries could impact the market. We are very depressed and sad because of these rules. I think it is an individual's right to choose what building he or she wants to stay in or the number of rooms that apartment should have. Since this is no longer possible, the least that the authorities could do is to ensure that there is no more artificial scarcity and apartments are available at affordable rates.
From Mr Mathew John
Dubai
Space suggestions
I have a few suggestions to make regarding the prepaid parking metres. Residents can be given free parking, while those visiting the area can be charged for it.
The parking fee can be less on weekdays and more during weekends. All business establishments can be asked to reimburse shoppers for the parking fee, if they shop at the merchant establishment. This might help create more parking spaces.
From Mr Mohammad Esmail S.
Karnataka, India
