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Penalties for misuse of utilities from next month
DOHA: Nationals say an awareness campaign must be conducted about the stipulations of a law that seeks to punish those among them found guilty of misusing water and electricity before enforcing it.
The law (Number 26 of 2008) pertaining to conservation of water and power is being brought into force from January 2010.
And among those who have been demanding that an awareness drive highlighting the punishments specified by the law for the misuse of water and power, are also some members of the Central Municipal Council (CMC), the country’s first elected body.
Water and electricity is free for nationals and subsidised for expatriates which explains why some consumers, especially Qatari families, tend to misuse the utilities.
Abdullah Sulaiti, a national, said: “The authorities concerned should inform the public through SMS about the enforcement of the legislation from January which is so close, and specify some punitive details.” A proper plan is needed prior to enforcing the law. “You cannot simply implement it one fine morning,” he hinted.
Sharing his view, CMC member Ali Al Kuwari said: “It is true that some people don’t appreciate the largesse of the state and misuse the utilities, but an awareness drive is a must before enforcing the law.”
Inspectors should be hired and they should be put on duty in different localities to detect the misuse, he added.
Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, another CMC member, said: “The law must be implemented strictly, but with proper preparation.”
Many families which get power and water free tend to misuse, as one can see their servants washing cars outside their homes. Many homes have lights on all over the night.
The law stipulates fines for the violation ranging from QR1,000 to QR10,000.THE PENINSULA
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