Dear Sir,
I would like to commend Christiana Figueres and Guy Ryder on their article “Cleaner, greener and richer: the way forward” (Gulf Times, September 21). The issue of sustainable development using projects that can boost environmental resilience is of prime importance to our world. We must all contribute towards it as responsible citizens.
We must concentrate on efforts through which our damaged ecosystem can bounce back. In Doha, for instance, we need to have places to collect both recyclable and non-recyclable waste. Used plastic containers, soda cans and glass bottles can be recycled if they are collected and sorted out through deposit bins in supermarkets itself. Perhaps an incentive can be provided for returned containers. This will help reduce the amount of plastic waste in Qatar.
Citizens can also do their bit by planting trees in their neighbourhoods in winter months and taking care of them during summer. I believe that each resident needs to get involved in making Qatar greener. Discussions on how to make the country greener should take place at as many public forums as possible and action should be taken on suggestions obtained from them.
Steps should be taken to prevent water wastage which is criminal: we often see water overflowing from tanks and leaking from pipes at various locations. Water is a precious commodity and its value must be appreciated by the public.
I hope you will continue to publish similar articles, especially with relation to waste collection and disposal systems in Qatar, to increase public awareness and to boost the resilience of the environment we live in.
A John
PO Box 35392
Doha
Measures to reduce traffic congestion
Dear Sir,
We face traffic gridlocks on our way to the Industrial Area from Wakrah every day, especially since September 7 when schools in Qatar reopened after summer recess. I suggest the following steps to ease this:
1) Heavy vehicles must be prohibited on this route from 6am to 8am as is done on some other roads in Qatar;
2) The roundabout before the Church signals should be closed for left turn while coming from the side of the church;
3) Increase the green-light time at all signals for smooth traffic flow from Wakrah to Barwa City, at least during the morning hours; and
4) The first signal at Barwa City should have sensors to act as per the traffic flow.
I am sure that if these measures are followed, the traffic congestion on this busy route will be reduced considerably.
Muhammad P Akhtar Rao
Manager
Teyseer Rebar Contractors
Doha
