To this end, the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA)Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) has urged companies and schools to convert their heavy trucks, buses and other vehicles to gas-powered engines.

The high air pollution detected in Sharjah of late was caused by emission from heavy trucks and buses transporting workers and students.

CNG is the cleanest burning fuel and requires less vehicle maintenance, Tareq Rashid Deemas, Head of the Directorate of Gas at SEWASEWA, said at a press conference on Wednesday. It also ensures a longer engine life.

Street-sweeping vehicles in Sharjah are now using compressed natural gas to promote a healthier environment?in the emirate.

"At present, we are supplying gas to 300 of our vehicles and 20 vehicles that belong to other companies,"?said Deemas.

"Through this initiative, we hope to encourage other companies to take on the responsibility of using environmentally friendly fuel which will, in turn, make Sharjah a greener emirate."

CNG is the most suitable alternative to petrol, as it does not release carbon dioxide. Thus, it prevents further global warming, the official said.

That is why SEWASEWA is planning to have gas-operated engines in 85 per cent of its vehicles and public transport vehicles including buses and taxis by the end of this year.

"We have set up the first natural gas station in the region with the intention to eliminate vehicle emissions in the emirate, but this can only be done with the cooperation of all companies -- be they private or public," said Deemas.

SEWASEWA launched the first CNG station at Halwan area near the Sharjah Co-operative Society in 2005.

Initially, only vehicles of SEWASEWA were fitted with the converters to run on gas.

"Growing air pollution from the transport sector alone cost the emirates a lot of money in terms of money spent on fighting health problems caused by vehicle emissions.

"Air pollution affects not only public health badly, but also agricultural land, water channels and marine environment," Deemas added.

Targeted Cut in Emissions

• The maximum permitted ratio of carbon monoxide in vehicle exhaust in the country will be reduced from 4.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent by the end of 2009.

• This will be further cut to 2.5 per cent from 2010.

• The maximum permitted ratio of hydrocarbon emission will be cut from 800 to 500 parts per million (ppm), which will be reduced to 300 ppm from 2010.

© Khaleej Times 2009

 

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