The plant, to be built by China, will process up to one million cubic meters of wastewater per day
KUWAIT: Technical studies for Kuwait’s North Kabd Wastewater Treatment Plant are nearing completion, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said Thursday. The start of work on the plant would mark a major milestone in Kuwait’s environmental infrastructure, with the facility set to treat up to one million cubic meters of wastewater per day using advanced technologies and renewable energy.
The North Kabd project has been part of Kuwait’s strategic engagement with China. In August, Kuwaiti officials toured wastewater treatment facilities in Beijing to study water recycling systems and discuss technical and contractual aspects of the project. Ambassador Jasem Al-Najem, Kuwait’s envoy to China, said the visit was part of ongoing efforts to implement the memorandum of understanding for the plant and highlighted the senior political leadership’s commitment to accelerating all signed agreements with China.
In September, Kuwait announced plans to sign a formal contract with China to build the plant, though the deal had not yet been finalized. Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ambassador Sameeh Johar Hayat, said the government is coordinating with China to finalize agreements for other major projects once Chinese studies are complete.
Speaking to Reuters in September, officials noted that Kuwait faces challenges in reusing treated wastewater due to limited storage and infrastructure. Current quality restrictions mean most treated water can only be used for irrigation, highlighting the importance of the North Kabd facility in addressing environmental and water management needs.
During the 43rd ministerial committee meeting on major development projects, chaired by Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, officials reviewed updates on a wide range of initiatives, including the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, renewable energy projects, low-carbon waste recycling, housing and environmental infrastructure and free economic zones.
Sheikh Saoud Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah, Managing Director of the General Investment Authority, outlined the authority’s role in supporting these projects. He explained how financial, legal, technical and other specialized advisors are selected, and stressed efforts to resolve challenges facing foreign government-linked companies operating in Kuwait. “The authority is closely tracking obstacles and developing a clear implementation plan in coordination with all relevant government entities,” Sheikh Saoud said, emphasizing that resolving these issues is a top priority.
Sheikh Saoud added that the authority is committed to following up on project execution step by step, aiming to create a more efficient investment environment that supports both the expansion and sustainability of foreign companies’ operations in Kuwait.
This builds on a decision announced in November, when HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah directed the investment authority to coordinate with relevant government bodies on all major development projects. The authority was tasked with contracting a financial advisor and taking responsibility for appointing, managing and coordinating the work of legal, technical and other specialized consultants linked to these projects.
Other attendees at the meeting included senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, ministers overseeing electricity, water, finance, housing and municipal affairs, as well as representatives from the Kuwait Investment Authority and the Ministry of Public Works. His Highness the Prime Minister called on committee members to continue field monitoring and regular oversight to maintain project momentum. — Agencies
