The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) issued fines for 30 establishments including restaurants, public kitchens and other outlets for failing to follow safety procedures of natural gas.

Dr Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of Sewa, said that since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, the authority has been conducting intensified inspections at restaurants, public kitchens and other outlets in 10 areas of the emirate.

The inspection was intended to ensure that these establishments apply the necessary standards for safety and security in the use of natural gas.

The fined outlets were found violating safety standards including the use of gas cylinders and illegal connections. In addition to that, 55 outlets were asked to replace old and damaged gas hoses. The authority has also instructed 45 shops to replace the boxes of the gas meters.

He said Sewa allocated an integrated team to follow up the inspections and ensure the safety of connections within various establishments.

He pointed out that Sewa is making efforts to provide the best services for the public in Sharjah. "We have just completed the electronic transformation project, which people can use to send their requests for residential natural gas connection."

Amna bin Hadh, director of the natural gas department, explained that the campaigns are continuing within Sewa's plan to ensure the implementation of all required standards and requirements, stressing that the authority always put up its annual plans with consideration of the nature of the holy month in which residents use the natural gas intensively for cooking, ignoring safety procedures.

She added that Sewa has recently completed a number of projects to expand the natural gas network in different regions of the emirate. The projects included the replacement of electric heaters with central gas stations in 90 per cent of the hotels in Sharjah.

Source: Khaleej Times