Libya's work is not over

The Qaddafi-era is over but Libyans must still work together to avoid internal conflict and sectarian strife, one letter writer argues. Other letter topics today: power cuts in Abu Dhabi, renewable energy, jobs for Emiratis and dangerous drivers.

Libyan fighters returning from Sirte are welcomed at Al Guwarsha gate in Benghazi on Saturday. A letter writer warns that while the war may be over, much hard work lies ahead for Libyans. Esam Al-Fetori / ReutersShow less

This is in reference to 10-hour power cuts hit Al Reef and Shahama (October 23).

Actually, we're residents in the Mediterranean Village and our power went out at 6.40am and only came back on at 8pm. The lack of communication and responsiveness was atrocious. There are so many families with little children here. I'm obviously not blaming those in charge for it happening or insinuating they weren't on top of it. But they need to understand the concept of customer service and keeping the residents happy and informed.

JM, Abu Dhabi

Libya must ensure no sectarianism

The opinion article Who are we? The questions facing Libyans (October 22) was very apt and timely.

A new era is now upon Libyans after four decades of rule by the Qaddafi regime. After more than 40 years the change was imminent for Libyans in the aftermath of Arab Spring.

The internal conflict has devastated the country's growth in every aspect, and now it is up to the Libyan people to collectively work for a better future where there should be no room for sectarian issues.  The end of Qaddafi was similar to that of Saddam Hussain who was captured and later hanged.

It will be a mammoth task to rebuild the distressed but oil-rich land, which once flourished and attracted people to work and live there. Libyans will obviously require support from the international community to rebuild the nation.

While many challenges lie ahead for Libyans, the youth must dump the weapons they used to overthrow Qaddafi and his loyalists, and the task is to formulate a government "for the people" and "by the people".

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

Quality service is priority, not price

With reference to your article Solar industry low on steam (October 23 ) it seems everyone is trying to make the same product and are competing only on price and ignoring quality and service.

It is time for solar companies to start thinking outside the box and start manufacturing better products with added value.

After all, Apple did not invent the mobile phone, they just made it better.

A Kianin, Dubai

Emiratis struggle with costs too

With regards to the story Emirati jobs target 'will fail without subsidies' (October 20) the reason Emiratis are insisting on high salaries is because of the high living costs.

This article may make it look as if Emiratis just demand high salaries. For example, should an Emirati man work as a teacher with a salary of under Dh10,000, he will never be able to afford to buy a house.

Houses for purchase at Al Raha by UAE nationals cost between Dh3 million and Dh4 million, with monthly payments between Dh20,000 and Dh26,000 over 25 years. That's for a four- or five-bedroom villa, which the average local family needs.

Expatriates usually have accommodation provided by their employer, and with lower housing prices in their home countries, they can afford to buy a house.

With high living costs it is impossible for a local to accept any low-income job even if it is his dream job, which is very sad.

Lucille Hillebrand, Abu Dhabi

Renewable energy financially viable

This is in response to Mirrors in the desert reflect future energy (October 23).

Why reinvent the wheel. One has to simply drive to Palm Desert in California to see first hand alternative energy at work.

The desert landscape is home to windmill farms that are used to generate energy. Coupled with this is the use of solar energy which is used along the highways to provide electricity for lighting, cameras and emergency radios.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

Drivers are not learning lessons

A few days after publishing Speeding drivers in 32-car pile-up (October 19) we had the same or even worse weather condition with visibility between 50 and 100 metres.

You'd think that after this article and announcements on the radio people would have more commonsense and reduce their speed. I was driving 80 km/h and was repeatedly overtaken by minibuses, pickup trucks and other cars. Some, as usual, had hazard lights on or even ran without lights.

If they want to kill themselves it is their problem but due to their reckless driving other people will be affected. It is time that the police showed more presence on the road and punishes these drivers accordingly.

Brigitte Peetz, Abu Dhabi