Woman’s effort to save water is praiseworthy

A reader praises Appley Groch's water-conservation initiative. Other topics: community, Abu Dhabi family, Dubai traffic

A reader praises Appley Groch’s effort to conserve water. Lee Hoagland / The National

It was great to read about Appley Groch's initiative of limiting her use of water to 30 litres a day. It's really commendable (Charity begins at home, with 30 days of one-minute showers, May 24). In the UAE, it is common to see water wastage, either due to poor habits or simple carelessness. I have seen people comb their hair or attend to their mobiles while the water is running. This colossal waste, 550 to 900 litres on average per person as reported, must not go unaddressed.

In her individual capacity, Ms Groch has set an example for many to follow.

Mughis Ahmed, Dubai

Let’s give back to our communities

I am writing in response to the article Ibtisama's founder Maissa Fattal on the UAE's first smile lounge (May 23). The "smile lounge" is a creative idea. People like Maissa Fattal are intelligent, so they know how to make the best of local trends and cater for popular demands. However, I can't help but wonder about these initiatives being a divisive factor in society, because clearly such services are not affordable for everyone. I mean, why not channel this creativity towards giving back to our communities instead of giving back to ourselves?

The modernisation of our world is bringing about social patterns that facilitate more luxurious lifestyles including spa treatments, cosmetic or plastic surgeries and fashion makeovers. At the same time, the average person is left with fewer and more limited choices because prices are continuously on the rise.

Even grocery shopping is expensive these days. Also, when we look at “public services”, such as parks and open beaches, we know there are municipal rules that, for example, prohibit barbecues and bonfires, which show how controlled these environments can be.

I hope the future is more promising than today, and that opportunities would soon be created for individuals who are underprivileged. I hope to see libraries open to the public, free museums, festivals and cultural events. This way society can begin to understand the value of life rather than the price of it.

Montaha Mousli, American University of Sharjah

How to help the hapless family?

I refer to the article No legal way out for Abu Dhabi family living in squalor (May 24). Government, non-profit, social services organisations, as well as the public, can help the family. A home is a home only as long as it is looked after and kept clean. I am afraid but I think the family is now used to living in such conditions. Their issue is of cleaning more than financial constraints. There are poor people all over the world, but nobody lives in a place reeking of urine and human excreta.

I pity the couple’s youngest daughter, who is barely a few months old and is being exposed to such an environment. Wouldn’t it be good if the children help their stepmother in cleaning the house until something better is planned for them?

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

I hope the authorities find a way to act quickly.

Dave Pryce, Dubai

Why exactly do social services have no legal authority to intervene? Surely it’s these tragic scenarios that fall under the department’s responsibility?

Nick Haig, Dubai

Traffic situation needs attention

The traffic in Dubai has doubled in recent years leading to congestion, long queues, chaos and unnecessary delays (Dubai to implement new traffic control systems this year, May 20).

While the public transport network is efficient and apps help motorists plan their routes ahead of time by keeping them well-informed, the authorities should look at other ways to limit traffic by introducing stricter policies to obtain a driving licence and car loans in the emirate. Steps must be taken immediately to address the issue of traffic on Dubai’s roads.