DO THE authorities take so long to complete simple projects because they opt for the 'cheapest' and 'best' quotes from contractors to do painting, repair and upgrading work?

'I hope the TV station can change the programme back from Friday to Saturday.'

'I suggest a few strips be drawn 5 to 10m before the zebra crossing.'

THE United States government is moving quickly to provide US$3.25 million (S$4.55 million) in humanitarian assistance to people in Myanmar affected by the terrible destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis.

I REFER to yesterday's article, 'Two more slow quarters for OCBC ahead, says CEO'.

PLEASE refer to Monday's article, 'En-bloc uproar at Bayshore Park, Mandarin Gardens' by Ms Jessica Cheam, and the letter by Mr Augustine Cheah, 'En-bloc system needs relook, as Bayshore shows'.

I WRITE in response to Ms Lynn Lee's article on Monday, 'When errant dads don't pay up, the kids suffer'.

WHILE I agree that many fathers try to evade their duty and vigorous enforcement is necessary in many cases, I have to highlight that there are other, more damaging actions to children of a marriage, besides denial of financial support.

THE rising number of reported hand, foot and mouth disease cases shows that stepped-up hygiene standards and checks on the young charges are not enough to arrest the crisis.

MOTORISTS buy comprehensive motor insurance to protect themselves against claims from third parties involved in an accident.

AS A long-term resident of Changi Village, I often see young people associated with weekend stays at the government chalets in the area, heading for the old Changi Hospital at the end of Halton Road. I suspect that the building, though benign, has developed a reputation for being spooky, perhaps haunted.

I APPLAUD the efforts by Marine Parade GRC MP Dr Fatimah Lateef in cleaning up Geylang. However, efforts should not be concentrated only in the lorongs close to Paya Lebar but should include every lorong that stretches from Kallang to Paya Lebar.

MUCH has been written about foreign workers and how they compete with Singaporeans for jobs. It has been argued that if foreigners leave, jobs for Singaporeans will be affected. I believe this problem is unique to Singapore only.

I WOULD like to urge caution to those planning to sign up any medical insurance plan.

I WAS in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday and visited the Borders bookstore at Berjaya Times Square where I bought a watch magazine. Upon returning to Singapore, I realised that the magazine has several missing pages.

I REFER to Wednesday's online letter, 'Minimum age for Grid Girls contest should be 18', by Ms Winnie Ang. We would like to thank Ms Ang for her feedback.