Our readers regularly send us messages and emails regarding Lanzarote, here are some of your thoughts that we printed in the September edition.
Readers are reminded that views and comments expressed within the Ed’s Postbag page are those of the contributors and may not necessarily reflect the opinions or standpoint of our staff. It should also be noted that we are an independent publication free from political persuasion or governmental censorship.
CRUISE CORRECTIONS
Dear Editor,
As a marine engineer of long standing and seniority, I would like to dispute the claim of the Ecologistas in Action (News, last issue) regarding modern cruise ships.
Ship generators, which they refer to as auxiliary engines, are nothing as described.
They are sited on special mounts to prevent noise transmission through the hull and throughout the ship, (passengers). There is no underwater disturbance, exhaust is passed through filters and catalytic converters.
Cooling water for these engines and any other machinery is usually indirect, meaning there is no contact between sea water cooling and machinery.
Nothing harmful is ever discharged overboard on a modern ship, all sewage waste, food waste, grey water etc is processed on board by a biological or chemical sewage treatment plant. The final discharge is pure water.
Solid waste, cardboard, plastic etc., is compressed and bundled ready to go through the shoreside recycling system.
There are strict maritime rules for what can be discharged overboard from any modern ship, and, enormous fines if found to be ignoring the rules.
As for the number of cruisers that are “discharged” ashore, that is a different scenario and has to be balanced between island livelihoods, damaging footfall and protection of the local flora and fauna.
A case in point is the many cruise ships entering Venice, the number that berth at one time is now realised to be very damaging and there are big cutbacks on the ships that can visit in a year.
Hope this helps to enlighten people and will counter the doomsters that seem to hold sway these days, even if they are wrong.
Caio,
David J Fraser
RALLY RAGE
Dear Editor,
I’m writing to complain about last month’s Rally de los Volcanes.
This is a small island and a Biosphere Reserve, where authorities are constantly reminding tourists not to pick up stones or leave pathways in order to preserve nature and leave wildlife in peace.
But that changes every year when high-powered cars roar around narrow roads, shattering the silence and attracting spectators who stomp all over private land.
Not only is it destructive – there’s also a hint of arrogant bullying about it, the powerful showing everyone else that they can do what the hell they like.
This is a tiny, fragile island. Motor sports have no place here.
M. Taylor
SCOOTER SCOURGE
Dear Gazette,
I think electric scooters are great idea. They’re cheap, ecologically friendly and allow many people, especially younger ones, to get around easily and quickly.
But they must be used correctly. Too often I see scooter riders without helmets, riding in the wrong direction or on the pavement, darting out into zebra crossings or with more than one person on board – yesterday I saw three teenagers on the same scooter riding the wrong way down a one-way street. I am terrified of being involved in an accident with one of these riders.
If local police started enforcing the law, with fines and confiscation of scooters, the situation would surely improve. As it is, their inaction is likely to contribute to accidents and possible deaths.
Richard,
Playa Blanca
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