Dubai
In a country that’s growing exponentially, with remarkable new structures, roads, and record-breaking achievements, residents are coming together to keep the cogs working on a community level.
Every month, community reporters highlight civic issues that need addressing, or share their views on global events that have local impact. October was no different.
First place this month goes to the report, “Waiting area capacity just outside Stadium Metro Station not sufficient”, by Jennifer Green. It was published on October 6. Even as public transport facilities around Dubai expand and evolve, one Metro station’s lack of a waiting area caught our community reporter’s attention. She highlights the fact that not having an allocated space for commuters to wait for the public bus near the Metro station, leads to the bus often skipping the stop completely. Safety is also a concern, as passengers use barriers as seats while they wait, and there is a disorderly rush to catch the bus when they see it approaching. We commend the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for promptly responding to the reader’s concerns, with the announcement of plans to construct a bus station near this particular metro station. Efficient and immediate action helps residents know they have been heard.
Second place goes to the report, “Zebra crossing needed near Pond Park”, by Neola Castelino. It was published on October 3. Dubai Police statistics showed that five people were killed and 94 injured due to incidents of people being run over while jaywalking, during the first four months of 2015. Jaywalking is a reckless act, but our community reporter asks the question: What if there were no zebra crossing in the area? Her bone of contention is with the lack of pedestrian crossings near Al Nahda Pond Park, a busy residential neighbourhood where many people like to walk to the park. The situation becomes even more dangerous when children try to cross the road using bicycles or roller skates, and mums push strollers during a break in traffic. As the reader points out in her compelling argument, a pedestrian crossing to slow down traffic and give people ample time to walk, would be a quick and effective solution.
Third place goes to the report, “Small efforts go a long way in making a difference to the world”, by Rohan Kapur. It was published on October 13. This young community reporter uses sound logic in his mission to reduce air pollution – through recycling. Recycling saves landfill space, which in turn saves trees and industrial efforts to produce more. According to research by US-based University of Southern Indiana, 900kg of recycled paper can save 17 trees. We have 3.1 trillion trees on our planet – that’s 422 trees per person – and each of these life-saving trees contributes to the planet’s health, making the air that’s so essential to our lives, just a little more breathable. It is reassuring to know young UAE residents are doing their bit to save their home planet.
Are there similar issues in your communities? Write in and we’ll do our best to help raise the matter and find a solution.
PROFILES:
First place: Jennifer Green
Published on October 6, 2016
Jennifer Green, a Dubai resident, urged the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to create a larger waiting area for passengers using the bus service to and from the Stadium Metro Station in the Al Nahda 2 area of Dubai.
She said: “Passengers push each other out of the way in order to get onto the bus. And passengers wishing to get off the bus have to wait or push through the crowd. The bus stops need to be redesigned.”
Second place: Neola Castelino
Published on October 3, 2016
Neola Castelino, a pupil based in Dubai, highlighted the lack of a pedestrian crossing in the Al Nahda area, Dubai. She regularly writes community reports to highlight issues within her community and hopes to raise awareness amongst other residents through the written word.
She said: “Through community reports, we can highlight big and small issues, things that matter to us and are worth sharing and knowing about. This platform, provided by Gulf News, proves to be an excellent way of conveying a message to the vast number of readers. I am encouraged to write more reports due to the response I receive after one is published. My parents usually receive calls from relatives and neighbours who have already read the newspaper and want to appreciate the topic. It makes me feel proud that I have encouraged others to make a difference.”
Third place: Rohan Kapur
Published on October 13, 2016
Rohan Kapur, a student based in Dubai, raised awareness about an important issue — air pollution. His group organised an event to collect paper, plastic and aluminium cans for recycling.
He said: “Community reports are a great way to showcase whatever you think is absolutely important. We get to raise issues in society that either go unnoticed, or people simply ignore them. When brought forth, they become symbolic of other issues going around and when people read a report, they realise the issue they faced or noticed is important. For example, if they read a report on jaywalking and then come across children or mothers running across the road, they will realise its importance more than before.”
— Profiles compiled by Rabab Khan/Community Interactivity Editor
