The Sharjah Press Club of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau organised Tuesday an extraordinary interaction between Sharjah Water and Electricity Authority (SEWA) officials and representatives of local and national media to discuss the Authority’s upcoming projects and services for the Emirate’s sustainable development and economic environment.
The freewheeling interaction titled ‘Tawasul’ held at the SEWA headquarters was attended by Dr Eng. Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of SEWA, HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Asma Al Juwaeid, Manager of the Sharjah Press Club, and a number of senior officials and heads of various departments.
Dr Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of SEWA, 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.
Al Leem lauded the constant support of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, given to the Authority. This reflects in SEWA’s world-class services and achievements as well as international partnerships for the Emirate’s quest of sustainable development, he added.
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 emphasised that during the unprecedented lockdown, SEWA employees continued to work around the clock to ensure customers are provided with all critically needed services. He pointed to the directive of His Highness 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 HH 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 Dh 310 million dirhams 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.
Upcoming Projects
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 3000 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.
Enhancing SEWA services
The 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. The Authority has been delivering water, electricity and gas services to various new areas like Al Tilal, Airport Free Zone, Muwailah and Hamriyah Free Zone within 3 working days from the date of opening the delivery file. 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%.
HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau, said that the Tawasul initiative of the Sharjah Press Club reflects the vision of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and 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, Manager of the Sharjah Press Club, thanked Sharjah government agencies and institutions for their enthusiastic response to the "Tawasul" initiative, praising the fruitful cooperation with the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, and the transparency of dialogue with the media.