Residents will now have to pay a fine for power thefts, illegal connections

Sharjah - These violations included unauthorised power connection, stealing of current, water leakage and wastage and storing of discarded materials in meter rooms.

The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority issued 2,530 fines during 2016 to residential, commercial and industrial buildings and premises for serious violations related to utilities services.
These violations included unauthorised power connection, stealing of current, water leakage and wastage and storing of discarded materials in meter rooms.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Rashid Al Aleem, Chairman of Sewa, said the authority is keen to ensure rationalisation, safety and security in using power. Sewa is making great efforts to supply and distribute power and water to all residents. "We have launched massive awareness programmes to educate the residents of rationalisation, but some are found violating the rules and tamper with services"
Al Leem said Sewa first spreads the awareness and then imposes penalty on those who violate rules. "Tampering with natural sources is a kind of unappropriated behaviour in our culture."
He pointed out that Sewa has a well-trained team to carry out inspections targeting such kind of illegal activities including theft of current and illegal connection of power.
Yassir Essa, Head of meters department at Sewa said these fines and violations were issued in the last nine months.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com 

• Sharjah