Removal of utility subsidy makes sense

Readers debate Abu Dhabi's new utility tariffs. Other topics: art show, refugees

Readers debate Abu Dhabi’s move to raise utility prices. Silvia Razgova / The National

I refer to the article Why increasing Abu Dhabi utility bills makes sense (November 22). The buildings are shoddily made, so heat gain is very high – a huge amount of heat is gained through ill-fitted widows and doors while air-conditioning units are old and costly to run.

For now, regulations should force landlords to deal with these issues, to preserve resources.

The rents are phenomenal, so it’s not a big deal in comparison. Every resident should take responsibility.

Sus Con, Abu Dhabi

Increasing utility bills makes sense, but if they are serious about curbing energy consumption, nobody should get subsidies on their energy bills.

Lisa Kereliuk, Abu Dhabi

The rents are already high. Now another cost has been added to our monthly bills. With wages stagnant, it is becoming harder to live comfortably.

Chrissy Smith, Abu Dhabi

Art show revives memories

When I was in college, interactive art was called Modern Art (Visitors go bananas for eighth edition of Abu Dhabi Art, November 21). Our whole class would go to the Cultural Centre of the Philippines to participate in activities. We also had the Design Center Philippines to guide us in all our furniture design projects.

Grace Germain, Philippines

Great move over refugees

In reference to the news item UN refugee chief applauds UAE over plan to take in 15,000 Syrians (November 20), were those Syrians on refugee status or employment visas?

Whatever it is, it’s a good start to allow 15,000 refugees to enter the country.

A lot of the refugee camps in Greece are also funded by the UAE. This country is definitely doing its part.

John Paravalos, Dubai

Copper a real bug killer

As the well-written article Europe on alert over bacteria breaching man's last defence (November 21) pointed out, the superbug found on Paris toilet door handles is no surprise as many men are not educated in basic sanitation. Not just in France, but this is the case in many countries.

There is one scientifically proven method for fighting transmission of pathogens, which is copper coating of touch surfaces.

Research has proven that copper disrupts cellular metabolism, killing bacteria, virus and fungal growth. Healthcare facilities worldwide are embracing copper for all touch surfaces because it is effective.

Humans have, for centuries, used copper and now there is “hard science” to prove that our ancestors were right.

After conducting research, we are bringing copper-back mobile covers for the medical community. This will surely be available to the general public later.

Why only mobiles? That’s because we touch our mobiles more than almost anything else in our daily life.

Our research has found only silver ion coatings on a few mobile covers, but health authorities in the United States and Europe will not certify those as genuine “bug killers”. Pure copper is. These copper cases are developed and produced in the UAE.

Alfred Pitrelli, Abu Dhabi