Sewa to waive off utility bills of needy families

Sharjah - The Sewa also plans to distribute 2,500 free Iftar meals during the holy month of Ramadan.

The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) has launched eight social service initiatives, including waiving off utility bills of those who go through financial difficulties. Dr Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of Sewa, said that the initiatives are part of 2017 being announced as the Year of Giving by Shaikh Khalifa, President of the UAE.
The initiatives have been selected based on the on three major themes of the Year of Giving - strengthening social responsibility in the private sector, promoting spirit of volunteering, and strengthening the concept of serving the nation in the new generations.
Dr Rashid Al Leem said that the authority, in coordination with a Sharjah Charity Organisation, has launched the "light their lives" initiative aimed at paying utility bills for 200 families who failed to pay their bills due to financial difficulties. This initiative will be implemented throughout 2017 in order to support the theme of strengthening social responsibility in the government and private sector as part of the Year of Giving.
He said the other initiatives approved by the Sewa to be implemented in 2017 include providing free skills advancement training to students and government employees in Sewa Academy in coordination with specialised institutes. The authority will also provide religious awareness to public in coordination with the awareness and guidance centre. The awareness will be conducted in Arabic and Urdu.
The Sewa also plans to distribute 2,500 free Iftar meals during the holy month of Ramadan in 2017 to mark the Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, which falls on the 19th day of Ramadan every year.
"Doing good deeds and giving are considered main traits of Emirati people. These traits have contributed to making the community developed, civilised and become the happiest one in the world," said Al Leem.
He pointed out that Sewa initiatives will be implemented in coordination with several private and government sector organisations in the emirate. He added that Sewa is committed to working with all government and private organisations to enhance living condition in the emirate as part of its social responsibility.
- afkrali@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah