Sharjah, Jun 18 (Emirates 24x7) : Several hundred residents of a residential tower in the Al Nahda area of Sharjah have been without electricity from Saturday morning, after a short-circuit resulted in a fire in the electric room of the 17-floor building.

The fire itself was controlled quickly, but power was shut down and is yet to be restored, after the wiring and other control mechanisms in the electrical room were damaged.

Residents have been stranded without electricity and water for two days now and have sought refuge with their friends and relatives.

The building has been identified as the Al Madina Supermarket Building, being managed by Al Sawa Real Estate, Building No 262.

The building is next to the Al Ahalia exchange.

Sources at the real estate company told this website that it may take at least a month to repair the damage to the electric room.

The 170 flats in the high-rise are occupied by expatriate residents from India, the Philippines, Pakistan and Arab countries.

Rakesh, one of the affected residents said some residents could not find alternative accommodation and are climbing up the stairs carrying big water cans with the help of torch light.

"We are paying maintenance charges to the building owners and they should do the needful immediately. We cannot live in a high-rise without electricity or water in the summer months," added another agitated resident.

Another resident said, “The families are agitated about lack of alternative arrangements like a generator to operate at least the water supply and lifts.”

“For two days I have been living with my wife and kid at a friend’s house, but I cannot stay there for one month.

“The real estate company is not giving a proper time frame as to when electricity and water supply will be restored.

“They promised to install an electricity generator to operate at least the lift and restore water supply. That did not happen.

“The tenants are meeting the building owner on Monday evening, but don’t expect any surprises,” said another resident.

According to sources, the real estate company managing the building is looking at alternative arrangements through a lawyer and Sharjah Police.