KUWAIT: The Ministry of Public Works outlined its most significant accomplishments and upcoming strategic projects during a detailed presentation delivered on Wednesday by the ministry’s official spokesperson, Ahmad Al-Saleh, at the Government Communication Center. The briefing highlighted notable advancements in road and infrastructure maintenance, major transportation initiatives, and strengthened governance and digital transformation efforts.
Al-Saleh said the ministry has executed extensive maintenance works across the country, including the paving of 9.5 million square meters of asphalt on internal roads and 5.5 million square meters on highways. These efforts fall under 12 internal road maintenance contracts and six highway maintenance contracts currently underway to enhance road quality and operational efficiency. He added that the ministry is implementing a clear and coordinated plan in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior to ensure smooth traffic flow during project execution, stressing that “the citizen’s voice is heard” and that the ministry remains committed to addressing public needs and resolving challenges.
Al-Saleh also detailed progress on the Gulf Railway project, which will link Kuwait to other GCC states. The railway will extend from the Nuwaiseeb border to the Shaddadiyah area over 111 kilometers, with a main station designated in Shaddadiyah spanning two million square meters. The project includes a high-speed rail line connecting Kuwait with Riyadh. He noted that the consultant is expected to submit the final design in January, paving the way for implementation and targeted completion between December 2028 and 2030.
Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, Engineer Ahmed Al-Saleh
On major national projects, Al-Saleh announced that the contract for the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project is expected to be signed next month as part of the memorandum of understanding with China. He also highlighted substantial progress on the new Kuwait International Airport project—including the passenger terminal, parking facilities, and related roads and services—which he said will position Kuwait as a regional aviation hub. Recent achievements showcased in the presentation included the opening of the Darwazat Al-Abdulrazzaq intersection and the Avenues Bridge, as well as near-completion of vital phases of the Damascus Street development, South Surra roads, and the Sabah Al-Nasser Bridge—projects expected to significantly ease traffic congestion.
Al-Saleh outlined the ministry’s ongoing efforts to upgrade wastewater infrastructure, noting that the Umm Al-Hayman wastewater treatment plant—implemented through a public-private partnership—produces 500,000 cubic meters of tertiary and quaternary treated water for agricultural use in southern and central regions. He added that development of the Kabd North wastewater treatment plant is advancing to reinforce the wastewater system in the northern region and expand the use of treated water for afforestation and landscaping. He stressed the ministry’s commitment to applying the highest quality standards by modernizing road laboratories, enhancing the Government Center for Testing, Quality Control and Research, and adopting advanced technologies to ensure compliance with specifications.
In the field of governance, Al-Saleh highlighted the ministry’s adoption of the Corporate Governance Guide, participation in the “Performance” project in cooperation with the Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), and the implementation of the Code of Conduct to reinforce integrity and accountability. He also pointed to significant progress in digital transformation through the launch of new e-services on the Sahel platform and the development of a unified GIS system to monitor road and maintenance projects with high precision.
The spokesperson also noted that the ministry has achieved full Kuwaitization of all government maintenance contracts, providing job security for national workforce members and enhancing specialized training in wastewater plant operations. Al-Saleh concluded by expressing appreciation for the strong support of the political leadership and the close follow-up of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. He praised the cooperation of government agencies and the public’s understanding of ongoing works, emphasizing that these efforts aim to deliver sustainable, modern infrastructure that meets Kuwait’s development aspirations. — KUNA
