KUWAIT CITY, Dec 17: The committee tasked to follow up the implementation of decision number 48/2005 on waiving off KD 2,000 from the accumulated electricity and water bills of Kuwaitis has started reviewing the requests, reports Al-Anba daily quoting sources.

Sources disclosed Assistant Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs Jassem Al-Lenqawi presided over the recently-concluded meeting of the panel, during which they looked into the applications of other citizens to benefit from the decision. Sources confirmed the committee reviewed 175 applications and intends to asses more applications later, especially since the deadline has been extended.

In another development, sources revealed the ministry has launched its website www.Mew.gov.kw as part of its plan to improve services for the people. Sources said the website includes a number of features for the convenience of the public, such as the electronic payment of bills.

Moreover, Al-Watan Arabic daily has reported that Kuwait Municipal Council member and Al-Farwaniya Committee head Ahmad Jadyan Al-Bugaili asked the ministry to quickly remove the high-voltage electric cables in Blocks One and Two in Firdous to ensure the safety of the residents.

Warning that the cables pose a grave threat to the health of residents, Al-Bugaili explained the results of studies conducted by the British and American cancer research institutes showed the dangerous effects of the electromagnetic rays from these cables, including heart and reproductive diseases. He said these rays can also destroy body cells.