Sharjah cracks down on illegal power connections

The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) is carrying out inspections to crack down on those involved in illegal power connections during the StayHome period.

Dr Rashid Alleem, chairman of SEWA, said that it has been found that many people, who live in old and dilapidated houses, get electricity connections illegally, which increases the power load and leads to damages in its distribution. "Such electricity connections are dangerous for the residents, especially during the summer when the temperatures are high."

"Some residents, confined to their homes due to Covid-19 pandemic, were also found violating the rules and tampering with electricity services which can spark disaster anytime, he added.

Alleem pointed out that SEWA will continue its inspection campaign to combat the practice. The crackdown is currently targeting industrial and residential areas, where many illegal residents were earlier found making illegal electricity extensions and connections, which threaten the safety of people staying next to them, he said.

He underlined that SEWA makes huge efforts to deal with any emergencies, and works with utmost diligence and efficiency.

Upkeep of 183 distribution plants

Alleem said that SEWA has concluded periodic maintenance work of 183 power distribution stations. It has also implemented an extensive preventive maintenance programme for the extension of the electricity network and transformers in different parts of the emirate, in preparation for the summer months, he added.

Alleem confirmed that SEWA is working to develop electricity networks in all parts of the emirate of Sharjah and achieve stability and provide best services to the consumers. "SEWA provides services based on the latest international standards through its maintenance works and continuous follow-up of all stations and networks."

He explained that SEWA has prepared specific programmes for periodic and preventive maintenance that begin on October 15 and end on April 15 of each year, which have contributed in reducing the high level of loads. The programmes include maintenance of distribution stations and transformers installed in various parts of Sharjah.

Alleem said: "The maintenance work for the lines, connections and electrical transformers recently implemented by SEWA in the city of Sharjah included renewing and changing a number of connections and cables as well as replacing a number of transformers with new ones in various old areas that had been suffering from frequent breakdowns during summers."

• Sharjah

Afkar Ali Ahmed

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com