SHARJAH // Residents will soon be able to receive utility bills by text message after complaints were made that letters were not being delivered in time.
The service will be launched soon for customers of Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, or Sewa, after many complained that they had not received invoices for months, sometimes leading to water and power disconnections.
“Customers filed complaints stating that they don’t receive their bills on a regular basis,” said Ahmad Alhaj, head of Sewa’s follow-up department.
“Sometimes the invoices are delayed for various reasons. The new text message system will take care of that problem.”
Sewa used to disconnect utilities over late payments, but now it will give a 10-day grace period after sending notices to customers.
Residents have also complained about the high cost of water and electricity in the emirate.
Khetam Salim, who has lived in Al Qasimia for the past 10 years, said a large part of her income went towards water and electricity bills.
“It’s really high,” Ms Salim said. “Sometimes we delay our payments because we can’t afford it.”
tzriqat@thenational.ae