KUWAIT CITY, Oct 28: Nine government agencies appointed by the Council of Ministers continue to meet to study and find effective solutions to address the country's traffic congestion problem. The government estimates show traffic congestion has decreased by 30 percent since implementing "flexible working hours" across 24 government agencies last year.

The sources anticipate that the introduction of an evening shift system, expected early next year, will further reduce traffic congestion, while relevant government agencies continue to share their ideas on managing and resolving traffic issues.

According to the sources, the Council of Ministers has tasked the Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Communications, Kuwait Municipality, Public Authority for Roads and Transportation, Civil Service Bureau, and the Fatwa and Legislation Department, with unifying efforts and implementing the necessary measures to address and resolve the traffic problem permanently. These agencies are to submit a final report within six months from the assignment date of August 1, 2024, detailing a plan of action and measures taken, alongside a timeline for the implementation stages.

The sources highlighted that the Ministry of Interior, through the General Traffic Department, works diligently to complete the task within the designated period. Among the issues under review is the impact of assigning new employees based on their residential locations to ease traffic congestion and identifying positions that can adopt remote work based on job requirements. Efforts are also underway to encourage school students to use buses.

Additionally, the sources confirmed that the Traffic Congestion Committee has been reactivated, following an administrative decision by the Ministry of Public Works at the end of last August, with relevant authorities as members.