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Animal shelter hit by power cut after blazeJul 05, 2012 (Gulf Daily News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- BAHRAIN'S dogfather is feeling the heat after a fire cut electricity at his animal rescue shelter. It could take up to six months to fix the problem at the facility in Saar, which was caused by an electrical overload from the underground cables. Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre founder Tony Waters said it was not the first time the shelter lost power and the fuse box was earlier repaired by the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), but it could only operate half of the complex's air-conditioning units. The shelter has been running on a diesel generator for the last two weeks, which was donated by Cebarco Bahrain. "The power went out before and they replaced fuses, but then the whole box caught fire along with a tree next to it. I never knew it could catch fire," said Mr Waters, locally known as Tony the Dogfather. "Also, I was never informed about the dangers of the power box issue. "Despite more than 20 phone calls and 13 logged complaints we have still not been connected to the main power source. I'm a little hot and stressed, as are the animals here." Mr Waters confirmed the animals were not in danger, but said the running cost of the generator was eating away at the shelter's other expenses. He said the machine had to be operational for nearly 22 hours a day and required daily maintenance. "We have a generator kindly donated by Cebarco, which is a lifeline for us and without that the situation here would be dire for the animals. "But it is a temporary fix and the cost of fuel is astronomical and eating into the centre's already tight funds, all of which are donated by the public and companies. We have done exactly as instructed by the authorities and have installed a new electrical box. "It just needs connecting. We keep being told that someone is on the way, but no-one turns up. The box has cost BD450 and if anyone is willing to donate towards this and the fuel costs, I would be extremely grateful." Meanwhile, the EWA confirmed it received the complaints and pledged action would be taken soon, but could not give a timeframe. "The power line that is installed cannot deliver electricity that is required and will overload the fuse box if it is used," said a representative. Those wishing to help Mr Waters can call 39629889 or e-mail [email protected]. [email protected] ___ (c)2012 the Gulf Daily News (Manama, Bahrain) Visit the Gulf Daily News (Manama, Bahrain) at www.gulf-daily-news.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |