Abu Shagara residents now complain of pitch dark roads

Sharjah - Following complaints, Sharjah Water and Electricity takes swift action in Abu Shagara area

When the used car market in Abu Shagara was shifted to a new place in January, residents never thought it would be the beginning of a new problem in the area.
The traffic and parking flow have grown smoother since then, but the residents are now left with pitch dark roads at night.
"It gets completely dark that I have to go downstairs to pick up my daughters if they got back late from university," said Siham Ahmed, mother of three girls.
She added that around five street light poles opposite to the building she resides in do not work. Most of the street lighting was supplied by the showrooms.
She also stated that the family fears to walk around the area at night.
Another resident Tarun Shyam said driving in the dark roads can be pose dangers to pedestrians. "You never know if someone will suddenly cross the road because you cannot see them."
He added that while there has been a noticeable change in traffic flow, Abu Shagarah streets now became lifeless.
"Parents now think twice before sending their children to buy groceries. Street lights and more outlets should be added to bring some ambience back on the streets," said Shyam.
University student R. H. said that walking long distances in the dark does not feel safe and parking problem still persists in the area.
According to her, run-over accidents could easily occur since the streets are too dark for drivers to see at night.
 Sewa acts on complaints
Following massive complaints, Sharjah Water and Electricity (Sewa) has installed more lampposts in the area and done necessary maintenance works.
Dr Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of Sewa said that the residents were used to strong lighting of the head lamps from the used car showrooms and the shifting of used car market to Al Ruqa Al Hamrah has left the area with normal lighting. He added that engineers have been sent to the area for inspection to see whether more poles are needed in the area.
He said that the Sewa has recently installed 70,000 lighting poles in all streets in the city, which are equipped with LED lamps to save power by 50 per cent.
This project has contributed a great deal in ensuring safety and security for the residents of the emirate, by minimising crimes and accidents in residential and commercial areas.
Dr. Al Leem stressed that Sewa has put up plan to replace all the traditional lamps with LED ones. All the lights in Abu Shagara areas and other parts such as Al Qasimiya will soon be replaced by the LED lamps.
He added that replacement has already been conducted in Al Yash, Al Ramsa, Al Badee, Al Shahb, Al Zubair, Al Dhaid, Al Suwihat, Al Yash,Helewan, Al Falaj, and Samnan.
He said that Sewa strives to execute the vision of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who wants proper lighting in all streets of the emirate.
He urged the public to call 991 to register any complaints with Sewa to enable the emergency staff of engineers and technician to help solve the problems.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Sharjah