I refer to the news report Abu Dhabi Municipality inspectors find 600 cases of residential overcrowding (August 19). The reason those people live in such cramped rooms is because they cannot afford anything else and the rents they have to pay for a room are outrageous. Often, one person has to shell out as much as Dh1,000 a month. So if there are six, the amount is Dh6,000. This is a very lucrative business for unscrupulous landlords.
Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi
Fire-safety rules need to be strictly implemented
Fire safety should be a high priority for any residential building and for the property managers who maintain them (Fire safety warning on Abu Dhabi apartment buildings, August 19). However, fire safety begins with the understanding of the dynamics of the fire triangle – oxygen, ignition and fuel. Removing any one element prevents fires. Education plays a major role in fire safety.
Secondly, all buildings should be equipped with fire extinguishers and proper detection and alarm systems. There should be robust maintenance programmes to ensure they work properly. But just as important is responding to the alarms and knowing how to evacuate.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
Fire safety in residential buildings is a constant concern. Whenever the issue is raised, building owners and others seem to get defensive about maintenance of fire-safety equipment. If you question them, they will explain to you that everything is perfect, yet we all know many of them are not. In several buildings in Abu Dhabi, fire alarms don’t work. Some buildings have no fire alarms. Unfortunately, these issues are only discussed when an incident takes place.
It is surprising that despite strict regulations regarding fire safety in buildings, they are so easily ignored. The authorities concerned should inspect every building for compliance.
Name withheld by request
This is an important article. Al Muneera community in Al Raha Beach development has a daft system which everyone ignores, because it sets off so frequently. If there were a real reason to evacuate, people would react extremely slowly.
Zak Khan, Abu Dhabi
Road numbers were convenient
I refer to the article Abu Dhabi Municipality officials insist new street names are for the best (August 19). It is not only inconvenient for the residents, but for tourists and business as well. Visitors will have tough time finding their destinations. No one knows the new names. They don't even know the old numbers, or names. When one asks for direction, one might be told: "Go straight and second signal right." Ten times and the whole day is wasted.
Tama Hiromi Tanaka, Japan
They should use street numbers along with the new names. That will help us to identify where we are and find the locations easily.
Feroz Abdul Vahid, Abu Dhabi
The effort to improve the naming of streets in Abu Dhabi is most welcome. I live in the former 17th Street. Months ago the number signs were removed but no name signs have been fixed. All that is left is some awkward looking iron pieces sticking out of the ground. I request that the municipality act quickly.
Fr Gandolf Wild, Abu Dhabi
UAE can achieve education goals
Your editorial UAE Must invest in world-class university faculty (August 18) was thought-provoking. I have seen the dramatic growth of the UAE over the years in all areas, and I am confident that the country will be able to overcome the hurdles to maintaining a high standard of teaching and research in private and federal universities. The authorities are well aware that this area needs more attention.
K Ragavan, US
True love can conquer all odds
It is never easy for any couple to marry against all odds, especially when the problem is spread to a much larger extent as the Israel-Palestine conflict (Jewish-Muslim wedding brings out bitter Israel tensions, August 19). It takes a lot of courage for the girl to go against the will of her own family and make such a bold decision of converting to Islam and marrying the man she loves. Hats off to the young couple for proving to the world that nothing is impossible and that true love conquers all.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Blessings to the couple. It’s love that’s important. Isn’t that what all religions teach?
Jen Bishop, Abu Dhabi
