Natural gas costly, say Khorfakan residents

Residents of Khorfakan compalain of high cost for natural gas connection to their homes, which can go up to Dh6,000. A number of residents of Al Mdhaifi area said they had to shell out up to Dh6,000 to get natural gas connection to their homes, reported 'Al Ittihad' newspaper. However, all of them are satisfied with the service, which they calim is safe. The price of one point is Dh100, they said. Abdullah Ahmed, resident, said: "The use of natural gas will reduce the cost and effort, as it is safe in the event of leakage." Ahmed Suleiman, resident, said: "The area has an abundance of natural gas and it can be a permanent solution. Also it is very safe." Manal Suleiman, resident, said: "Natural gas connection will help us get rid of gas cylinders. "Meanwhile, Tariq Rashid bin Dimas, Director of General Department for the distribution of natural gas, said the work on the project began in 2006 and the implementation in 2008. And so far 1,500 consumers have benefitted from it in Khorfakan. He added 90 per cent of Khorfakan and Kalba’a is connected. The length of the network in Khorfakan is 47km and in Kalba'a it is 90km. He said 13 companies have been selected to connect individual houses. He stressed that the connection is not mandatory. It is available for a nominal fee of Dh600. However, the cost of connection depend on the distance and the number of points.