Generators installed: Tower power crisis

Buildings in Ajman have resorted to installing generators to make up for the painfully long delays in getting regular power supplies.

The Ajman Twin Tower residential building near GMC Hospital in Al Nuiamia area has been ready for almost two years. But the tenants were unable to move in as the building did not have electricity.

Faced with the prospect of waiting for another two to three years to get power supply, owners decided to buy three generators costing Dh1.5 million.

Hassan Mohammad, General Manager of SomGulf Real Estate Company, which owns the building, said: "We applied to the Civil Defence Department and also to the Ajman Municipality."

Lt Colonel Abdullah Ebrahim Al Nuaimi, Acting Director General of Ajman Civil Defence Department, said: "There are certain safety regulations that must be followed when applying for a generator permit, which include providing the building design to ensure there are special rooms for generators, a ventilation system along with fire extinguishers." Mohammad said: "Tenants may have to pay 20 to 25 per cent more than they usually pay to the electricity authority. This might come as a surprise to them."

A Lebanese expat said she didn't care where the power came from as long as she was able to move in. She was unable to take possession of her flat for six months as there was no power.

An official at Ajman's Federal Electricity and Water Authority, West Area (A), said the reason behind the power shortage was the unexpected growth in Ajman.