Thursday, September 10, 2009

Bracing for the Future

"The Metro is Dubai's socio-economic future".

This is how Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, defines the city-state's freshly-launched metro system. The network is not only set to modify the public transport culture, by reducing traffic congestion, it will also contribute to enhance Dubai's competitiveness significantly, and inter alia:
  • improve overall flow;
  • reduce fuel consumption;
  • cut carbon emission;
  • create a greener environment;
  • lower rate of road accidents;
  • balance national accounts.
All in all, a vision contrasting sharply with Dodoland's propensity to ego-massaging with unproductive mega-projects and draining our money into the consultancy industry while, on an even more tragic note, impeding on its potential to transform itself, from a pussy cat that sleeps at four, into a vibrant metropolis.
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2 comments:

  1. Kozémotandé10 September, 2009 14:36

    It is amazing how decision-making and policy decisions can be so desperately slow and frustrating in a country which is so proud of its 'achievements'. The main causes are bad legislation, eagerness to tow the lines of the funding agencies and of the private sector (funding agencies of political parties), poor leadership and lack of imagination.

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  2. Sanjay Jagatsingh08 October, 2009 19:52

    Maktoum ena zizot. Pa kuma sa figir ki vine rakont nu zistwar sorpa tou le swar lor MBC la.

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