Dewa’s Ramadan drive targets consumption of power, water

Dewa’s Ramadan drive targets consumption of power, water Staff Reporter / 19 July 2013 “This Ramadan, let your good deeds outweigh your consumption.” This is the message that goes out to the consumers of power and water in the emirate as part of an awareness campaign launched the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) to promote rational electricity consumption during the holy month. The campaign will include several awareness lectures targeting the staff of government departments of Dubai, along with awareness programmes in mosques, and at Aswaaq and Union Coop supermarkets. Dewa is also sending out conservation tips to the consumers through newspapers. In cooperation with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dewa has also participated in activities at a Ramadan tent for workers who reside in the Sonapur-Muhaisnah area. This is part of Dewa’s strategy to spread awareness among residents in Dubai on rational electricity and water consumption, conserving natural resources, and protecting the environment, the authority said in a Press statement. “The launch of the awareness campaign is in line with the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to achieve the sustainable development in the emirate,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of the authority. “The campaign is part of our strategy to rationalise the consumption of electricity and water and use them effectively, complementing our goal to become a world-class sustainable utility. We spare no effort in preserving our valuable natural resources and protecting our environment to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.” Khawla Al Mehairi, Vice-President of Corporate and Marketing Communications at Dewa, said: “The campaign reflects Dewa’s commitment to supporting the sustainable development efforts of Dubai and raising awareness on the rational use of energy resources. We are keen to work with government and private organisations in these fields, especially during Ramadan, as prudent consumption is reflected in the teachings of our religion, which forbids all forms of waste.” Al Mehairi pointed out that rational use of electricity and water should not be limited only to Ramadan, but should be extended as a lifestyle approach by individuals throughout the year. sajila@khaleejtimes.com Hadith to get the message across   dubai — In an attempt to instil the sense of conservation among the believers, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has resorted to a hadith reported by Ibn Majah. In a handout to the public that was distributed to newspaper readers, the authority quoted the hadith which describes how the Prophet (PBUH) questioned Sa’d for wasting water while performing ablution. The hadith from Albani-Al-Saheena (No.3292), reads likes this: When the Prophet passed by Sa’d performing ablution, he said, “What is this wastefulness?” Sa’d replied, “Can there be wastefulness while performing ablution?” The Prophet replied, “Yes, even if you perform it on the bank of a flowing river.” The handout was distributed as part of Dewa’s conservation campaign in Ramadan under the slogan “This Ramadan, let your good deeds outweigh your consumption.” The handout also carried the following tips for avoiding wastage of power and water: > Always keep your airconditioning on 24 degrees in occupied areas and 28 degress or higher in the unoccupied ones; > Save up to 50 per cent water by using the dual flush system; > Use a broom to clean your driveway and garden pavements; > Instal aerators in kitchen and bathroom faucets; > Use low-wattage, energy-efficient bulbs; > Unplug all appliances that are not in use or switch them off from the source; > Take the stairs instead of the elevator; and > Water your garden early in the morning or evening. sajila@khaleejtimes.com Taylor Scott International