UAE | General
Sharjah power cut 'due to poor maintenance'
The multiple breakdowns of power supply in the emirate that has once again left residents sweltering in the heat is the result of improper maintenance by the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) of its US made generators, Gulf News has learnt.
- By Duraid Al Baik Associate Editor, Sunita Menon and Mariam Al Serkal, Staff Reporters
- Published: 22:31 August 27, 2009
Sharjah: The multiple breakdowns of power supply in the emirate that has once again left residents sweltering in the heat is the result of improper maintenance by the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) of its US made generators, Gulf News has learnt.
Thousands of residents yesterday and Wednesday faced another major power cut in less than a week, making fasting unbearable in the 45 degree Celsius heat.
Power was cut on Wednesday at 2pm in Al Wahda, Al Yarmook, Al Qasimia, Al Noaf, parts of Al Nahda, Maleiha, Sharjah University City, and Industrial Areas 1, 3, 4, 6, 13, 15 and 17.
These areas are home to more than 100,000 people. Power was not restored till late in the evening yesterday.
"The power cut that affected some 150,000 people in the city of Sharjah and lasted for three days last week was a result of poor maintenance on a number of generators that are working at peak capacity," an informed source in the industry told Gulf News.
He said the fact that one of the main suppliers of Sewa had stopped all shipments of spare parts and services since the beginning of the third quarter of this year has affected the performance of Sewa. Sewa has been disabled from coping with peak demand from its subscribers.
"The supplier of the spare parts - a renowned international manufacturer of energy products - decided to stop shipments due to an outstanding amount of around $1.5 million (Dh5.5 million) Sewa has either disputed or refused to pay on time," he said.
But Sewa told Gulf News that maintenance was not an issue.
It said generators cannot cope with the increasing demand for power in the hot summer season.
"I have to prepare iftar in the dark. I have two children who are fasting," said a resident of Industrial Area 17.
Residents are worried that life will become difficult if the situation continues as many schools will open on Sunday.
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