Residents in Sharjah desperate for answers

Added 18:55 July 21, 2010

There is no point in raising one's voice against such an UNREASONABLE act as it is falling on deaf ears. This should be considered as an INHUMANE act. May God gives us the patience and strength to survive this worse phase. Thank you Gulf News for highlighting this every morning.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 18:36 July 21, 2010

It is an absolute disgrace that a certain sector of the Sharjah population have enjoyed uninterrupted service yet the vast majority, the ones who pay the full cost for their electricity are made to suffer. This should be regarded not as a Sharjah problem but as a national emergency.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 18:34 July 21, 2010

To the SEWA Authorties: We are not animals; We are humans.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 18:32 July 21, 2010

There is no electricty & water in Industrial Area 2 for three days, we are fuming here, no one is responding, not even showing some humanitarian cocern, at least they can give electricity for a few hours. We are not animals, just human beings like them. This is not a kind of service we are expecting from UAE. If it was winter fine, we can adjust, but the temperature and humidity is arising day by day. It's a serious issue.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 18:31 July 21, 2010

This is normal from parks being closed in the mornings to electricity cuts. I guess it is better to get used to all this then to complain. In case you need answers you can go to Sewa offices and encounter their rude officers in so called customer service and find out for yourself..

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 18:10 July 21, 2010

Authorities in Sharjah are acting as if they are not answerable to any one and as if they are giving the electricity for free.. instead of being sorry they are demanding raise in the utility charges... we feel like as if we are kidnapped and helpless completely... big buildings are not the signs of development.

Ali, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 17:59 July 21, 2010

Why are none of the authorities even concerned to explain as to why this is happening only in specified areas or being transparent? If you move out of Sharjah to Dubai at least you can increase your living condition. Authorities should be asked about wasting electricity by NOT turning OFF Street lights, unwanted neon light, lights at construction sights & making poor residence go through this pathetic life.

Anonymous, Sharjah , United Arab Emirates

Added 17:55 July 21, 2010

I don't understand what SEWA is doing, I am paying all my deus on time even they are charging sevice charge, Yesterday was a horrible day for my wife and 4 kids they cut of electric from 8.am to 5.30 pm,morning 3 to 5 and today started 4.pm till now 6.pm it"s not come.

TARIQ MAHMOOD, SHARJAH ROLLA, Pakistan

Added 17:47 July 21, 2010

My heart really pours out to those suffering in these unbearable weather conditions and would also like to ask fellow residents to try and help those in need. Initially it should be to find out the reason for this sort of unrealistic irresponisibility from Sewa. Living in an apartment n staying a few hours without the A/C gets us drenching... so the rest could be simply imagined... This indeed is a serious health issue that all of us should look into....

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 17:46 July 21, 2010

This is not the right way to save electric city by power cut. If so many residents are living in Sharjah and they pay higher amount of SEWA bill. Its SEWA's responsibility to work in proper manner and provide water & electricity to the consumers instead of giving useless excuses. authorities should take appropriate action to ensure that SEWA taking remedies to solve this issue instead of giving excuses that shortage of Diesel and high demand in summer. Every year we don't want to hear same stories and excuses instead of finding solution . take immediate action as its not first time.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 17:23 July 21, 2010

It has been crazy since yesterday when in early hours of the morning no power for 2 hours straight and then again in the afternoon from 3-9.30 pm almost 7 hours straight. This is getting impossible, especially in the middle of the hot summer with temperatures 47 and above. Looks like no one cares in Sewa. The least that they can do is explain why this is being done, and also warn us about the timings. But no! They keep on surprising us day after day. Today again the same thing. Sewa please explain.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 17:15 July 21, 2010

Sad it's really sad... so many people just left in the heat to suffer, I guess no one cares or treats the suffering ones as humans..... it's just sad.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 17:11 July 21, 2010

Even after increasing the unit price of electricity and charging service charges, Sewa still can't provide proper services to the residents.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 17:04 July 21, 2010

The authorities should at least inform the residents of affected areas what time there will be power interruption not just it will be gone in snap. all residents have the right to know what is really going on for this power interruption. if the weather is cold there is not much problem. but we are facing a very hot weather that we are like on top of the stove. and when you call Sewa the lines are so busy. this is not a game. someone out there might have suffered heat stroke because of this.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:57 July 21, 2010

I just wish someone from Sewa gives us residents some form of explanation as to why these power outages occur. Being left in the dark figuratively and literally only adds up to the frustration we are all feeling as to why we have to suffer. Please make some announcements as to when will the power outages come so we can be prepared. Hoping that the outages will stop so we can all get back to normal!

Anonymous, adao, Philippines

Added 16:46 July 21, 2010

Try to go in neighbouring emirates and stand by the mall for hours... free a/c and electricity.

SC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:38 July 21, 2010

Sharjah residents may want to actively consider shifting permanently to Dubai. With rents in Dubai dropping to near reasonable levels, this may be a good time to upgrade your lifestyle and free yourself from the misery of commuting and power cuts without denting your budget significantly.

Prachish Vasudeva, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:36 July 21, 2010

SEWA is not bothered about children and old people. It has been asked many times to advise a schedule for power cuts but in vain. Media should help residents to get answers from officials.

Arz, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:35 July 21, 2010

The authorities are keeping on telling us the conservation of power but they themselves are not be a part of that. this morning in Butina area (near mega mall) I found that there are so many street lights not switched off even at 7.45am. They don't even have time to take care of these things.

Anonymous, Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:29 July 21, 2010

SAVE ELECTRICITY I am studying in Grade 6 in Our Own English High School, Sharjah. In my school and at home I try to save electricity. I was shocked to see so many lights switched on at a Dubai shopping mall's parking place. It is foolish to save electricity for one hour on Earth Day and waste so much electricity every day. So I ask the concerned authorities to see that so much electricity is not wasted every day.

Prerana and Prarthana Rajole, Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:29 July 21, 2010

I live in Yarmook and we have no lights for more than 10 hrs during day time and also midnight. It is very difficult to stay without lights in such climate. There should be reasonable cuts in lights. The Managment of Sewa should think that we all expats are human beings and should take measures to solve this problem permanentely. Even after incease in E&W charges, we have to face theses problems.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:21 July 21, 2010

For God's sake somebody should tell us why is Sewa torturing us daily. We work all day in this immense heat and pressure and don't even get an hour to sleep in the nite, please someone should be accountable for this trauma and come ahead for a comment [instead of] letting us die like this... it is a shame not to entertain any hotline or emergency lines. Can't they see small kids and families suffering throughout the nite? Plz at least have the courtesy to tell in advance the timings for the power cuts area wise... Gulf News thanking you.

Nadeem Ayyaz, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:00 July 21, 2010

I too am a resident of Sharjah and am suffering from this black-out like everyone else. We are used to black-outs like this in Kerala. This morning I was shocked to see all the street lights on at 7am in the morning in King Faisal area. What a waste of power!! When Sharjah is so electricity-starved, why on earth were the street lights on at 7am??? Why didn't the municipality switch it off?

Ann, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:59 July 21, 2010

SEWA must have control over the unnecessary usage and wastage of electricity in shopping malls, shops, restaurants, billboards, shops sighnboards etc.. Even the street lights in some areas are on till late during the day time. Also, the owners of multistorey buildings must have back-up electricity at least for the lifts as it is very difficult for people, especially for women and children to climb down the stairs from the 20th floor and even 35th floors. This is a serious issue and corrective measures must be taken immediately as the residents of Sharjah are really suffering given that the temperature outside is 45C or even more with pretty high humidity. People cannot spend their time in the shopping malls and restaurants every night!!

Naseer, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:48 July 21, 2010

We know SEWA facing a big shortage in power, But this is not the goodway to clear that problems. In my opinion they can introduce power cuts for half an hour or one hour daily in different areas for this entire summer season. Instead of these unpredictable cuts for such a long time. We know people will not reduce the power consumption, but this is the only solution.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:46 July 21, 2010

The authorities have to take action, Sewa should not wait for the time when people will suffer from the heat stroke. No one will survive if they are continuing like this. I felt so bad for my neice - they wanted to be in the cool place always, my brother had bought one battery-operated fan but it is not enough. Sewa where is your concern? You should also consider the pregnant women they can't sleep and stay longer in the house without AC.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:33 July 21, 2010

We are planning to move Qusais, Dubai soon.. I will never come back to stay in Sharjah, even there is offer for free accommodation. We suffered a lot this time with 2 kids (4yrs, 5 months).

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:31 July 21, 2010

One needs empathy and not sympathy. Hopefully in time we will be blessed with electricity soon.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:20 July 21, 2010

This is just unbelievable … the heat is killing us and Sewa is not even doing anything about it. Can they tell us what’s going on? Can they not have a press conference and tell us what’s the strategy behind keeping us HUMANS in such conditions? I was in my car the whole night and it really looked like a warzone with the entire place blacked out. It’s about time the federal authorities get involved and look into this matter and do something about it, before we have any casualties due to extreme weather. PLEASE DO SOMETHING.

Anonymous, Sharjah , United Arab Emirates

Added 15:20 July 21, 2010

It's really pathetic... families, small kids suffering in such scorching hot weather with no electricity.... I'm sure now people have to think whether it's worth staying in Sharjah at the cost of leaving family suffering and on top of that it's ironic there is no one responsible from Sewa who is answerable and it's a shame that they are not even willing to face public.. It's really BAD!

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:13 July 21, 2010

As consumers who are rightfully paying our dues to Sewa for their services, and the fact that it is a public service utility provider with a social obligation, we expect Sewa to be transparent to the public about their current problems. By maintaining a secretive stand, Sewa is insulting its esteemed consumers, and alienating them even more. I know many of my friends, who are seriously contemplating moving out of Sharjah, only because of the power crisis.

Rajesh , Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:11 July 21, 2010

I know this is just another stone being thrown on the roof of Sewa to wake them up from sleep as to how long they will put the public in dark in terms of power as well as information. I live and work in Industrial Area 6 where there has been no power since the past 50 plus hours [total outage]. The bldg. owner demands 2 months rent to release me from the rental contract to enable me to move to other region. It is obvious now Sharjah is not a choice place to live anymore, thinking it is economical. No one seems to have any answer and the bldg owner says it is not his problem nor can he treat this issue on humanitarian ground. Where do we go from here? Can Sewa at least tell the public frankly what is going happen in the next few days or so? As this issue has reached an extreme point of tolerance.

Paul Telis, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:11 July 21, 2010

I have been forced to go out for a drive with my family and I found the street lights are all ON by 2pm in NOON, in AL FISHT area SHARJAH and near the entire stretch of Coral Beach Resort area, all the villas there have electricity, I don't understand the power shortage in few areas and not in few areas. Is this a deliberate step of harrassment? I can also see so many towers nearing completion stage in Sharjah's Taawun and Nahda area - theyhave electricity and how come it withstands the load and why have the authorities given permission to build when they are not capable of maintaining the existing towers?

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:08 July 21, 2010

What are my rights if I have to vacate the premises? My contract is due for renewal in December 2010. Electricity has not been availabe for the past 3 days at my place. Tried reaching the Sewa emergency department, the person sitting on that desk replied "at my home too there is no electricty and I don't know when it will return". I lost hope and am planning to move. I approached the landlord who clearly said he will deduct 2 months of rent if I break the contract. The new place where I need to move, I have to give 3 months of rent. All sums upto approximately Dh15,000!!! I have not a clue how I will manage my family with Ramadan approacing.

Roman A. Khan, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:07 July 21, 2010

I BELIEVE THE AUTHORITIES ARE NOT QUIET AND PLANNING TO DO THEIR BEST. IF I AM BEING ASKED TO SUGGEST TO THE AUTHORITIES, THEN I WOULD HAVE SUGGESTED FOR A DAILY POWER CUT - SAY DAILY IN THE EVENING FOR COUPLE OF HOURS AND DURING NIGHT FOR THREE - FOUR HOURS AND I BELIEVE IN THIS WAY WE CAN COLLECTIVELY SAVE ENERGY - SAVE NATION AND COME OUT OF THIS POWERLESS SITUATION.

SHAIK MOINUDDIN, SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:06 July 21, 2010

Shame for Sewa. Sewa is levying highest of all other emirates, ie 30fils/unit. Other emirates only 20/unit. Still very bad quality service!

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:03 July 21, 2010

It is a shame to Sewa and other concerned depts that they fell short of electricity once again, even when they knew that this might come up... And secondly, to be hiding behind the walls and not even releasing a single public statement, at least just to give some hope and courage to the unfortunate residents of Sharjah. I curse the day Ii moved from Dubai to Sharjah.. I have to go to the 13th floor of my building, all by stairs as my building has no emergency light or generator (although it was supposed to be there in the generator room) and especially with two kids, under the age of 3... just imagine how difficult it is... A quick tip to Sewa: Try closing unnecessary street lights, and decorational lights. Switch off all of those. Give the residents relief.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:57 July 21, 2010

No electicity in Sharjah as everyone is aware.. What is Sewa doing? I am pregnant with 9th month on going. No elevator is working on a generator. How are the ladies in such conditions going to live with so many risk factors.. If something happens who is responsible for this? Is it Sewa?

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:43 July 21, 2010

Don't the Sharjah authorities realise the huge loss this powercut is going to cause? Couldn't see anybody giving any explanation for this. People have already started moving to Dubai, which will soon affect the real estate in Sharjah.

Arfath, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:29 July 21, 2010

Dear Readers, I can understand all of your pain with this situation, but you should also understand that sometimes it's normal and can happen to any country. Remember your home countries India & Pakistan, it is normal practice there.. if it is in UAE for short time so why and what's big issue, it can happen anywhere. Sewa must be doing very hard to restore this problem. you have to also understand there problems.

Shazia , Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:29 July 21, 2010

No current. Very pathetic state and annoyed that the Sewa officials are dong nothing to sort this out. If this goes on then 1 day flats in Sharjah would be empty with people moving to other neighbouring areas.

Sankalp, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:26 July 21, 2010

My son and wife were stuck in the lift, I was waiting for them in my car and when they were taking long to come I just went to have a check. I could hear my son crying from the lift and could hear my wife trying her best to comfort him. It took me and the watchman 10 to 15 mins to get them out. I kindly suggest to Sewa that they announce the timings as such situations can be reduced and it's very disheartening to see elderly people climbing up 20 floors taking breaks in between.

Abhilash Madhu, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:26 July 21, 2010

It is quite upsetting that the management of Sewa is so [dismissive]. How can they just ignore the misery? What people are asking is just to let them know in advance. This can at least minimise the pain people are forced to face. Seen and heard of so many people stuck in lift - just think of the heat and the pain, cries of small babies unable to bear the heat. Shame we are living in 2010.

Reji Varghese, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:25 July 21, 2010

If we miss paying Sewa's bill they cut the power off until we pay. Fine with me. But when Sewa fails to give us power in the Heat of the Summer what can we do? How is Sewa going to compensate us for suffering the heat of the summer and the inconvenience? Can we fine them the way they fine us by cutting the power off? I guess not.

Feras Q., Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:25 July 21, 2010

My flat watchman was the telephone [mobile phone] operator yesterday whole day From 2.30 am - 11.30 pm, to answer queries from all of my neighbours. Pity for the guy, he does not have IVR in his mobile, whereas Sewa has an IVR system.

Anonymous, Sharjah, India

Added 14:21 July 21, 2010

Abu Dhabi is the capital of this country, I read headlines that Sewa officials are not responding with a reason! How about a bit of escalation? I would not be wrong if i said electricity is a basic necessity & it's a human right. I am sure AUH authorities have heard about this in-human treatment by Sewa. Why doesn't anyone intervene in Sewa's self-judicious power-cut frenzy? With Ramadan around the corner my fears grows for the little kids and the elderly who simply do not have the health capacity to take this power cut. Who will be responsible if God forbid anything should happen to them amidst this unethical mental & physical torture?

Shoaib Javed, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:20 July 21, 2010

Sewa taking sharjah towards stone age.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:18 July 21, 2010

I request higher authorities to come forward and ask Sewa to answer our calls, and force them to fix the issue, no one is telling any one what is going on, they are not bothring to pick up any call. Why is power getting cut from few particular areas again and again rather then sharing the load equally.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:13 July 21, 2010

Why Gulf News is not trying to approach the government officials if its out of the reach of the common man? Gulf News should go and ask officials about the problem and suggest possible solutions.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:59 July 21, 2010

Why are the authorities not taking any action against Sewa, merely just publishing comments in papers does not serve the purpose. This is high time that some actions should be taken. If you find children crying then Sewa will find out the real scenario. Why don't they announce official loadshedding? The situation is worse than authorities in my home coutry, at least there we have a planned load shedding.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:57 July 21, 2010

Every year this thing happens. WHY? The residents of Sharjah are also humans.

Anonymous, Sharjah, Afghanistan

Added 13:53 July 21, 2010

You ppl can't blame Sewa as they are trying their level best. What we do is just waste electricity... don't simply blame Sewa... Blame yourself 2 ....

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:47 July 21, 2010

Sharjah is fuming.. I don't understand when Shj claims that there is an overload, how cum they allow shops to put on their neon lights when their shops are closed... Even a month back, when there was an power outage, shj industrial area streets had decoration lights on them... Ohhh pls, when u have an overload pls avoid wastage on electricity... It's not just the electricity which fails, after a few hours, even the taps run dry. Sewa we need an answer.

Safa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:46 July 21, 2010

Due to cheaper rent and to avoid comparative high cost of living in Dubai, I moved to Sharjah last year. Now one has to think and consider the following additional cost before deciding to move to Sharjah. Cost of hotel stay and food in case of power failure Plus poor utility (water & electricity) standard Health effected during power crisis

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:45 July 21, 2010

Today, 21 July again, electricity is cut-off in the Majaz area! If only Dubai had reasonable rents.. i feel this will happen in a year or two.. or maybe it has started...

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:31 July 21, 2010

It's the most pathetic situation I have ever come across in UAE. I have a mother who is a heart patient and I am really worried about her health. If people don't sleep how will they be able to go to work the next day. The worst part is that the Sewa number given is not being replied by anybody. The bell goes on ringing. This is something which is very upsetting. Nobody knows what is happening and people are just suffering. I wish the athorities would take notice of this situation.

Hina , Sharjah , United Arab Emirates

Added 13:30 July 21, 2010

Guys just wait for an increase in utility bills....and the worst thing is, power outage may not be resolved even after that. They need to increase their supply as demand is increasing. How come someone expects the people to reduce the usage as it is around 45 to 48 degrees outside and thanks to the design, there is no ventilation in buildings. How people will cope-up with weather and all? People cannot let them and their kids and families suffocate just for the sake of reduced usage. And after all people are paying for what they are using. Seriously it has to be solved by the authorities. Not answering the calls of those who are suffering will not give any solution what so ever..

Asghar Ali, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:24 July 21, 2010

This is unacceptable. It's truly a struggle to have to live in these conditions especially during the summer. For the past couple of days the electricity was shut down in my building during the late hours of the night making it nearly impossible to sleep. Since the power cuts began, we haven't had even 8 hours of running electricity. We live on the twelfth floor and climbing down is tiring and it's made worse by the fact that it has to be climbed in the dark. Another minor complaint is that we now live in a time where almost every household has a computer and sudden shutdowns can corrupt our systems and some of us have important work to be done on our computers. A schedule of the power cuts would prevent this problem. Every time the power comes back, we spend that time making use of it (for cooking, washing, ironing etc.) for fear that it it could be shut down at any time. If Sewa is going to continue the power cuts then they should release a schedule or cut the power of things that aren't important like certain street lights etc. I hope Sewa is professional enough to do this, because they certainly don't seem like it if they are.

Joshua, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:21 July 21, 2010

This is really becomgin unbearable!! The temp. outside is reaching 50 and we are having power outages for hours. Where are families going to go? Hotel rates aren't any cheaper. I think it's time for the Federal Govt to get involved and seek proper answers from SEWA and resolve this issue ASAP.

Heba, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:19 July 21, 2010

Having stayed in Sharjah for almost 10 years before leaving, I have experienced the same difficulty. But now from the news, I can make out that it has become very horrible. In my previous comments also, I have been mentioning about the extra charges Sewa charges every month called service charge. Dear Sharjah residents, you will have to pay more once they rectify the current problems. If they charge such a huge amount for this type of sub standard service, you just imagine how much it is going to increase.

KG Kumar, HK, Hong Kong

Added 13:19 July 21, 2010

Even iam not able to wish u good afternoon because since 3days we r in dark and no. news when it will be solved.ian nsted of taking news from residents gulfnews can check with SEWA whats ongoing when it will be solved.

mini, SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:18 July 21, 2010

I was so disappointed os SEWA's service and keeping the Electricity off for the long period of time. The bad thing is no one answers the phone and keeping the consumers clueless about what is happening. Whereas SEWA increases their charges up to 37% high and we dont know for what reason.

Anonymous, Sharjah, Afghanistan

Added 13:09 July 21, 2010

Why SEWA keeps quiet on electricity failure. My SEWA is not responding to our calls, My mother is Heart Patient she can not walk for long time also can not go up/down to 6th floor by steers anyway we have to leave at our home during power cuts. PLz SEWA answer our queries. I request Gulf news to contact higher authorities in SEWA to get our answers. Today also the same condition no power at our home since 11.00AM

Anonymous, Sharjah, Pakistan

Added 13:00 July 21, 2010

Since 2 yrs i am staying in national paints, Al manama area. last i saw power in my house on monday morning till today there is no power. i can term it as " boycotting industrial areas". first day i slept in the car, second day i left the house, now i am staying as a "guest " in karama. my contract expires on August 15. rarely i make good decisions in life, among them was sending my 7th month pregnant to India last month. now bye bye to Sharjah.

Prakash, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:59 July 21, 2010

We are suffering continuously 51 hours of No Power and Water Supply in Industrial 1, all the foods are all mess. SEWA please do all the necessary.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:58 July 21, 2010

Why SEWA keeps quiet on electricity failure. My SEWA is not responding to our calls, My mother is Heart Patient she can not walk for long time also can not go up/down to 6th floor by steers anyway we have to leave at our home during power cuts. PLz SEWA answer our queries. I request Gulf news to contact higher authorities in SEWA to get our answers. Today also the same condition no power at our home since 11.00AM

Anonymous, Sharjah, Pakistan

Added 12:54 July 21, 2010

In SEWA offices itself LIGHTS are ON in off time especially in Nasriya off. Reduce the street lights and at advertising sigh boards. Pls SAVE Electricity FOR US. We R Paying for it .

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:50 July 21, 2010

Its Horrible without Power.The SEWA authorities should prepare a schedule for powercut 2 hrs morning and 2 hrs evening areawise and declare beforehand to avoid poeple getting stuck in elevators and be prepare themselves.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:46 July 21, 2010

I think Sharjah needs to usnderstand ths issue behind this . Till they get the power supply totally restored they should restrict the usage of electricity by getting shops, mall and commercial establishments to switch off all thier sign boards, neon lights and hoardings. would also be good if all residiential, govt and all structures can save power by switching off the lights they use to lit up thier structure only to make it visible which is really not needed at this hour.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:41 July 21, 2010

It is very humiliating and very agonizing so see that people in SEWA just dont care. I would say I was very lucky to talk to them twice on Tuesday. Since we did not have electricity for over 30 hours, I along with my family went to shopping mall and spent over 150 dirhams and 10 hours in the mall waiting for the electricity. All I got was "insha Allah it will be back wait have patience, no problem". It is no problem for them but trust me to stay in a whether over 40 with such high humidity the only option we have is to spend the entire night waiting for the morning to come.

Anonymous, Indiustrial Are 2, India

Added 12:40 July 21, 2010

After much sufferings, still SEWA is not understanding the problems facing by the public. rellay a worst situtation. Still in SHJ Univercity id having full power in the night time, atleast if they supply those power to residential area, people will be happy. Also how long this will go on someone should invole in this serious issue to resolve the problm. Through GULFNEWS i am begging the SEWA officials to solve the problem. PLEASE UNDER STAND THE HUMAN FEELINGS AND SUFFERINGS.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:38 July 21, 2010

WHY AUTHORITIES CANNOT FIND A TEMPORORY SHELTER IN SCHOOLS OF OTHER EMIRATES/SHARJAH SO THAT PEOPLE CAN STAY TILL POWER COME BACK.

Anonymous, DUBAI, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:37 July 21, 2010

LET THE ENTIRE MEDIA GET INVOLVED IN GETTING THE ANSWER FROM AUTHORITIES, HOPE GULFNEWS CAN DO THEIR BEST, SINCE WE WATCH THE EDITOR OF GULFNEWS AT DATELINE ON BBC CHANNEL WHICH GIVE US THE HOPE FOR AN ANSWER.

Anonymous, DXB, Afghanistan

Added 12:35 July 21, 2010

Can say only 2 things One SEWA should be more interactive, talk to press or give out power cut timings of areas so we can plan accordingly..it very frustrating to get back home after a days work and find your home in black-out As for us the residence we should save electricity the only way is by purchasing Floor fans.so use the AC for only two to three hrs and then use fans to cool. This will really get down the load and our bills. As I have seen people using AC even in winters.

Ajit, Sharjah, Afghanistan

Added 12:25 July 21, 2010

SEWA has to come up for a quick solution, they should at least make a statement than leaving consumers wondering with what is happening. Our electricty bill has gone up but service remains poor. Very dissapointed!!!

Kris, Al Rolla, Sharjah, Philippines

Added 12:20 July 21, 2010

Atleast, SEWA authority should answer the call. No one is taking the call at any SEWA offices. Atleast, residential areas should have the continuous power

ILYAS, SHARJAH, India

Added 12:20 July 21, 2010

After the grueling 7 hour+ brownout yesterday along Al Estiqlal street at Abu Shagarah in Sharjah, insult was added to injury when we found the center street lights lighted 7 am in the morning! Power wastage during a power shortage!

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:18 July 21, 2010

My extra classes are on , and yesterday there was no power in school aswell . for 1 hour we're studying without Electricity then thanks to our school people they took us to Mall ! .. Something is better then nothing ! then i came back home and there was no power in home aswell , had to climb up 5 floors with a heavy bag ! . From 9 am 4 pm and 8:30 to 4 :30am ! . I hope they fix whatever problem it is .

Fariyal, Shj, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:16 July 21, 2010

The authorities should issue area wise load shading time table, this will atleast make peoples to adjust their schedule and other needs and they can easily opt for other solutions till they have light. This will surely help peoples who have small kids in families.

Zeeshan , Sharjah, India

Added 12:13 July 21, 2010

Yesterday all the malls in sharjah were full, I couldn't even find a space for parking at sharjah city center. Thousand of families were just walking around inside the mall to avoid heat, humidity ans stress in their appartments. As of now, the electricity is off!! And it is worth to mention that during the winter, sharjah has also a huge problem of floading...so no escape in both seasons..!!

Anonymous, Sharjah, Afghanistan

Added 12:05 July 21, 2010

Plz Notice Industrial Area-3 (GECO), coz we don;t have electricity from last four days continious, not even 1 min. , but our opposite side (Arabian Jerosulum company), there is no problem even no load shedding also.

Abid Rahman, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:56 July 21, 2010

The main thing is transparency...we need to know what exactly the problem is ? Not answering phones is not the answer. Being responsible residents we would support if there is a solution plan if there is a genuine problem. Its absurd that I have had to tell international clients that there are abrupt power outages........I think its not a good sign overall!

Karen, Sharjah, Afghanistan

Added 11:55 July 21, 2010

Cry You Are In Sharjah

Anonymous, Sharjah, India

Added 11:55 July 21, 2010

What is your (Gulf News) investigation. We all know that there is no power.

Ahmad, Dubai, Afghanistan

Added 11:53 July 21, 2010

SEWA - Sorry .. Electricity & Water Abolished

Syed, Sharjah, India

Added 11:49 July 21, 2010

This is devastating. Atleast SEWA should inform the residents. For God Sake, Residents are not living in Villas here; we all living in Apartments and there are old / sick people and even pregnant women who live on the top floor of the buildings; and with no power for such long hours; it will be an uphill task to come down from there; please atleast think about it

Anonymous, sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:35 July 21, 2010

SEWA has become hopeless now. if these power cuts are scheduled, then they should be implemented through out in sharjah.

nayeem, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:24 July 21, 2010

Its really a shame, that authorities are taking money from people in terms of water and electricity and no committment for actually providing the service! is this the committment level while asking for investments to come to UAE? how can you expect investors to come here with investments if this is the committment level? don't they have any respect for the human lives suffering from this outage in this heat? and worst is that nobody from the authorities is bothered to clarify as to why is this outage!!! this is Really shamefull!!!

Anonymous, Dubai, Pakistan

Added 11:19 July 21, 2010

I humbly request G.N. to just not post our tragedy and misery but as a responsible mediator bring up this issue to the concerned authority and help us to come out from this series of harassments

Anonymous, Sharjah, India

Added 11:18 July 21, 2010

Its been 3 days and no electricity in Industrial Area 7. The Sharjah SEWA Authorities have no clue,u call 911 they either do not answer the phone , or they pick up the phone and bang it straight on your face or if your lucky star strikes and they pick up the phone they answer rudely saying they do not know what the problem is and it will be resolved in 3 hours.I guess they either mean 3 days or 3 weeks.If you call the industrial area electricity office they never even answer the phone.You call the main SEWA office , they it is not their responsibiltyand they dont know why.If you call the control room which is responsible for distribution of elecricity they shout back at you saying they dont know wht is wrong and they are not responsible for this contact 911.WHO IS THEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS POWER OUTAGE.No one has any answer.The heat gets worse every day further and i think they expect us to start living in Caravans rather than solving and finding a solution for this issue.Last year the authorities promised that the same situation will never happen again in future.Guess they need to know what the meaning of PROMISE is.

Irritated Sharjah sufferer, SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:18 July 21, 2010

It s crazy to ignore such amount of lifes it s not human to treat peapole in this way There are childrens,pregnant wifes,old females and males,this lack of profesionalism can cost lifes. I hope some action is taken before someone will die because of this ignorance of finding solutions.

Anonymous, shrajah, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:16 July 21, 2010

Oh please SEWA, at least give us information on what is happening. 3 days without electricity is not bearable anymore. Last year, more than a month we suffered already and now summer time and Ramadan is approaching same dilemma again??? If you know there might be power failure especially at this point in time, you should have made effort to avoid it, after all this isnt the first time. You cant always make us suffer like this and when electricity bill comes we're still paying the same amount as if there were no power interruption happened..

Kristine, Sharjah, Afghanistan

Added 11:15 July 21, 2010

A big thanks for gulf news for standing by people and updating day to day on misery of people staying without electricity and water for 3rd day. its big shame on part of SEWA for not providing electricity. just want to know if the officials will stay for 1hrs without electricity in this soaring heat have no mercy for the people who pay lot of amt in bills without fail, have no mercy for the kids, old peoples. may Allah forgive them for their behaviours.

iqbal khalid, sharjah, Pakistan

Added 11:13 July 21, 2010

it was a surprise for us when the power went off in our building in Alnahda. As we have a small kid of 3 months old it was not safe to be in a building without AC. We rushed back from the office and tried to take our kids to near by malls, but to our surprise all malls like saferr malls, Ansar mall , were not having power. Then we had to reach to city centre to spend our time. It was a havoc in city centre every one was there crowded and each food store were full with persons staying there without moving. Adding to further surprise today morning just now 10 am again the power has gone..? We dont know how many leaves to take and how much deductions in salary will come. Some one please consider our request and sort these issues faster... thanks

Anonymous, Al Nahda Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:11 July 21, 2010

The story keeps repeating every year with no actions being taken. Some one higher up should take stock of the amount of losses being incurred due to this ridiculous and pathetic situation....after all the authorities do collect deposits and taxes from the end users and are answerable to this situation.

Jack, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:10 July 21, 2010

No power in parts of Al-Rolla area for second consecutive day from 8-30 am today(wednesday) also

Yousuf, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:09 July 21, 2010

there is not electricity since monday to until now in industrial area no:2 we are sleeping out side continously. please i request to gulf news publish this news in main page and tell the horrible situation of employer and inform higher official to solve this problem. this situation continue so many people will die in heat stroke. this is sure.

SHAWKATH, SHARJAH, Afghanistan

Added 11:09 July 21, 2010

Cry !!! You are in Sharjah. This should be the new slogan for Sharjah. The authorities should come out with some explanation. After hiking the SEWA charges and also burdening the people with service charges what we are getting in return.There are infants& children affected by this also. The authorities cannot keep quiet anymore.

Harris, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:06 July 21, 2010

I live in Buteena. Yesterday there was no power from 10 am to 4PM. Again power left around 7 pm and back at 3.30 AM today morning. We stay in 6th floor of a building with infant of 3 months. There was no light in staircase and we struggled to get down. we slept whole night in car as my baby was crying badly. Whatever we kept in refrigerator is spoiled. No information. No scheduling.. We cannot predict anything in Sharjah. Finally I am sending back my family and I will find some accommodation in Ajman and bring them back. It is horrible experience here !!! Poor management of SEWA playing with our life... despite of collecting huge minimum service charges from us even if you dont use power. Hope the federal government will take necessary action in order to save the poor family as only poor families are staying in flats. If there is issue with power they can split he power cut into different areas like 1 hour each area. They just disconnect for continuous 7-8 hours means its poor management. Also they should give more priority to residence/flats rather than street lights as due to high temp its hard to survive ...

Haneef, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:57 July 21, 2010

SEWA people are acting without any logic.......no information at all.... no distribution for load shedding.... they r outr of head

Anonymous, sharjah, Afghanistan

Added 10:55 July 21, 2010

the calls for finding a solution fall on deaf ears! why dont they use solar energy?

Heba, Sharjah , Jordan

Added 10:53 July 21, 2010

I heard it again started in Al Nahda. Yesterday from 3:00 to 7:00, and then from 9:45AM to 9:00PM there was no electricity. When SEWA is going to break their silence.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:50 July 21, 2010

Now power cut Exceeded 48hrs in some part of national paint area . it is very pathetic and miserable

Anonymous, Sharjah, national paint arae , United Arab Emirates

Added 10:50 July 21, 2010

SEWA is playing with basic human rights. This is too cruel to live with out electricity for 3 days. All the families, especially small kids in Al Nahdah is suffering a lot with sleepless nights in this high temperature.

HASHIM, AL NAHDAH, SHARJAH, India

Added 10:47 July 21, 2010

If SEWA needs to conserve power shouldn't it have been done in Winter because a 13 hour power cut when it's peek summer is the most absurd thing imaginable. If it was 2 hours daily or few hours on weekends people can at least bear it and go out with families on weekends. Moms stuck with kids and sick patients at home are not something bearable in this weather. At least prior notice or some kind of proper arrangements would have been appreaciative but what's happening now is totally unexcusable and beyond the world absurd!!!

Anonymous, Sharjah, Afghanistan

Added 10:47 July 21, 2010

Nowpower cut exceeded 48 hrs in some part of national paint area . it is very pathetic to line in this condition.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:24 July 21, 2010

I live in Industrial Area 1, we also don't have electricity since monday 11am... we have been nights at different relative houses.... I coulsn't go to work bcz of restlessness and headches... my job is temperary resulting in pay cuts.... who will compensate us for this troubulence. its easy to increase the elec bills but still we have to face these situations. No electricity for 3 days.....

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:23 July 21, 2010

This is a catastrophe. Where are the authorities and why the silence. People need answers here and silence is not acceptable at all! Do the authorities vie for an exodus of residents from Sharjah?

Ali, RAK, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:20 July 21, 2010

More than 48 hrs Power cut continuously in our building having 100 flats located parallel to Emirates Road ,national paint area ,we are leading so miserable life

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:18 July 21, 2010

More than 48 hrs Power cut continuously in our building having 100 flats located parallel to Emirates Road ,national paint area ,we are leading so miserable life

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:15 July 21, 2010

Even though there is no use and validity in saying the same thign again ..but as an information ...it is happening again today ..started power cut at the same time and as yesterday and fortunately with the same timings ....minimum 9 hours cut

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 09:59 July 21, 2010

I have 1 year old and another one is 1 month child, we are leaving in K3 industrial area behind city centre on 2nd signal. We dont have power for morethan 2 days (48hours+) since 19 July 2010 @ 9:00AM up to now of 21 July 2010 even 1 hour power we didnt get this is continue...this is to unfair to us who can leave on this situation?still SEWA didnt make any action?If the SEWA cannot provide us power they should allow the building to provide generator...they should realize our situation very undying situation...my point is i had 2 child atleast at night time they should provide.

Reah, Sharjah, Philippines

Added 09:50 July 21, 2010

Somebody explain something to me, as if it's explainable...how can a city cut power from residents in the trenching heat and then leave public street lights illuminated on the Buheirah Corniche throughout the day? This is not considered energy conservation but inadequate management. You cannot teach the public to be energy conscious and yet disregard the same principles you are trying to preach. You probably don't have any viewer comments because the residents are without power. That power is redirected to the Buheirah lights, which by-the-way, were off at night but on from 4 am and still on now at 10 am!!! Let's hope that the city can adhere to a much better strategic plan.

Concerned Buheirah Resident, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 09:42 July 21, 2010

Sewa & the concerned authority should look into this serious problem. Sewa really lacks humanity, they should provide a provide better customer service, they are so poor in customer service, also they should permanentely closed their hotline number as no one bother to answer or pick up the call. If they wanna make a power cut then why not they make a scheduled for it and provide us the proper information which they are not bother at alll. Sewa should show some dignity toward its responsiblity. Please wake up Sewa other wise i am ready to move out of Sharjah and promise never to return back i cannot see my family and my 1 year old daughter being exhausted and suffer in intense heat.

Bikramjit Singh , Sharjah , United Arab Emirates

Added 09:41 July 21, 2010

Dear All, Do you think the problem is because of overload.then the authority can inform the customers.but the authorities didnot answer even the phone also.if power is short the authorities can announce a power cut ..why they dont do like.it is so brutal....nothing more.....

Saji, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 09:30 July 21, 2010

Its so horrible with no power..And its embarassing that the officals do nothing to get these problems corrected..Sorry to say this, but its a fact.

Roy, Dubai, India

Added 09:29 July 21, 2010

It is high time the leadeship from the Federal Govt involves and provide assistance and tries to find a permenant solution for this ploblem. I live in Rolla Sharjah an we have had 13 Hrs of power failure (Twice in a day) 9 am 4 pm and 12 mid night to 4 :30 am. for the past 2 days. During summer with family this is unbarable The SEWA authorities could have at least 1-2 Hrs of power cuts daily in all areas. If they could publish a time table people could prepare for the same.

Vasanth Rajeevan, Sharjah, Afghanistan

Added 09:25 July 21, 2010

No electricity from Monday 10.20 am. SEWA keeps quiet on this issue. We need electricity to live in this hot climate. We are human. These 3 days without electricity horrible for us. SEWA answer our queiries. I urge Gulfnews to contact higher authorities in SEWA to get our answers. We are desparately waiting for the electricity for past 3 days.

Rahman, Sharjah Industrial Area 2, United Arab Emirates

Added 09:19 July 21, 2010

Attn: SEWA, Lights at Mujarah Park are still on until 08:30 hrs.!!! Please save electricity!

Hussain, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 09:15 July 21, 2010

Its honestly a shame I tell you. If you drive through Industrial Area 17 where I work / stay, you will see all the poor labourers sleeping / sitting in the sweltering heat because they have no place to go. I myself had took one worker who was lying unconscious on the road to a nearby refuge because he fainted out of dehydration. Shame Shame Shame to SEWA and all their officials.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates