Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The Sharjah Water and Electricity Authority (Sewa) is committed to offering world-class services to Sharjah residents and achieve the sustainable development goals, said Chairman Dr Rashid Al Leem. He also emphasised that during the unprecedented lockdown, Sewa employees continued to work around the clock to ensure customers were provided with all critically needed services.

The Sewa Chairman made these observations during a freewheeling interaction titled ‘Tawasul’ held at the Sewa headquarters, which was also attended by Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) Director Tariq Saeed Allay, Sharjah Press Club (SPC)  Manager Asma Al Juwaeid and a number of senior officials and heads of various departments.

This extraordinary interaction between Sewa officials and representatives of local and national media was organised by the Sharjah Press Club of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau to discuss the Authority’s upcoming projects and services for the Emirate’s sustainable development and economic environment.

Dr Rashid Al Leem urged citizens and residents to offer their suggestions and proposals to enhance the goals and services of the Authority in order to support the Emirate in its journey of development and progress.

On this occasion, the Authority’s ongoing initiatives, which are part of the Emirate’s broader efforts to help the community deal with the economic impact, came up for discussion. The session highlighted the aspirations and future plans of the Authority and its continuing efforts to strengthen its position among the best international institutions.

Al Leem stressed that during the unprecedented lockdown, Sewa employees continued to work around the clock to ensure customers were provided with all critically needed services. He pointed to the directive of the Ruler of Sharjah to exempt all places dedicated for quarantine or health isolation from billing. At least 20 hotels, commercial establishments and 3 health camps were given exemption.

He also drew attention to the directive of the Ruler of Sharjah in March to offer 10% rebate on all Sewa bills for a period of three months for all customers without exception and without disconnecting services for even those who had unpaid bills. This incurred an expenditure of Dhs310 million for Sewa. During the long months of the lockdown when most people had been advised to stay at home, the rate of water and electricity consumption had surged by 70% in the Emirate, he added.

Al Leem reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to offering world-class services to its customers, referring to a number of mega projects that are underway, including the Hamriyah power plant project, which would help the Emirate produce more than 2000 megawatts of electricity. Also in the pipeline is another power project that takes off next year. Sharjah has the largest gas supply network in the country covering more than 3,000 km while the water network reaches 3,450 km.

He lauded the Sharjah Press Club initiative to promote a healthy interaction between government agencies and various media.

Sewa is setting new examples of speedy and smooth delivery of its services and responding to complaints and requests for help within a few hours on the same day. It has succeeded in simplifying procedures, reducing the time that used to take from 3 to 6 months to less than 24 hours, and avoiding visits to Sewa offices by 100%.

Tariq Saeed Allay said that the Tawasul initiative of the Sharjah Press Club reflects the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah, to enhance communication between government agencies and media, supporting the Emirate’s efforts to develop its services and enhance its media presence.

Allay added that this is the first of the SGMB’s interactive initiatives after the decision to resume government activities and activities in the Emirate, taking into account all precautionary measures. He pointed out that the Bureau has been remotely conducting its programmes and activities over the past few months.

Asma Al Juwaied thanked Sharjah government agencies and institutions for their enthusiastic response to the ‘Tawasul’ initiative, and praised the fruitful cooperation with the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, and the transparency of dialogue with the media.