Sharjah residents to pay more deposit to Sewa

Residents in Sharjah are shocked after receiving notices from Sewa (Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority). They will now  have to pay more money as security deposits, according to notices received by several tenants.

The deposit ranges from Dh3,000 to Dh4,500 depending on the size of the flat and consumptions, Gulf News reported.

Many residents, who were shocked to see the notice on their doorsteps, have complained to Sewa but for no avail.

The notice provides 7 days for residents to pay the amount, and threatens the residents of disconnection of electricity and water for failure to pay within prescribed time.

"When I reached home from work on Wednesday afternoon I found the shocking notice left by Sewa on my door," said a resident in the Al Majaz area.

"I have already paid an electricity deposit of Dh1,000 for the last 30 years or so that is already accruing interest," Nina, from India, said.

"I just need to know why this hefty amount is to be paid by me and other tenants and on what grounds is this applicable," she wondered.

Another Indian tenant who lives in the same area said he received a notice which stated he should pay an additional deposit of Dh4,500 for his three-bedroom apartment.

"If we do not pay they will disconnect electricity and water within seven days," he said.

He said he does not mind paying but he doesn't have enough money with him as it is the middle of the month.

"We should have been told in advance or informed when we renew our tenancy contract," he said.

Another Pakistani tenant in the same building said she received a threatening notice from Sewa demanding she pay an additional Dh3,000 electricity and water deposit within seven days which ends on Thursday.

"I have no money at all to pay at the moment as I just paid the school fees for my children," she said.

"I guess my family and I have to suffer in this summer heat without utilities until we arrange for the required money for the Sewa deposit," she said.