Emirati lawyer on mission to lock, fence open electric transformers in RAK

Ras Al Khaimah - RAK rattled by the recent death of a six-year-old boy due to electrocution.

Emirati lawyer Salem Al Maftul has expressed his keeness to lock and seal every open electric transformer in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah after he was rattled by the recent death of a six-year-old boy due to electrocution in one of them.
The victim - Salem Ali Al Shehi - entered through the open door built in the wall surrounding the transformer at the Bani Mura neighbourhood of Al Seeh area. He died after coming into contact with the transformer while playing with the electric cables.
Each and every member of the society should chip in to protect the life of young children against any electric transformer in every nook and corner in the emirate, Al Maftul pointed out.
"I want to lock all the open electric transformers and build high walls around them to prevent young children or stray animals from having access to these highly dangerous spots."
The lawyer said he was more than willing to receive and handle all reports and complaints against open electric transformers.
"This is the least one can do to protect the life of our young children."
Al Maftul's initiative has found a supporter in another Emirati man Abdullah Salem Al Shameili, who is ready to provide all locks needed for any open electric transformer in the emirate. "It is our national duty to report and curb the risks of electric facilities in the country," he said.
Meanwhile, residents of Al Seeh area have urged the bodies concerned, including the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa) and the RAK Municipality, to move out the 'killer' transformer.
"They should move this transformer from the middle of the road," said Saeed Rashid, an Emirati national living in Al Seeh area.
"Leaving these hazardous places open pose a grave risk to people's life, particularly young children."
The Fewa has started shifting the electric transformer that caused the Emirati boy's death.
"Investigations are on to ascertain the reasons behind the accident," said Mohammed Saleh, director-general of Fewa.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ras Al Khaimah