KUWAIT CITY, Jan 15:  Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel emphasized that the Strategic Supply Centers Project plays a vital role in enhancing the country's food security. The project aims to establish supply centers with more efficient storage capacity and space, improve the display of food supplies, and enhance services provided to citizens.

In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Ajeel explained that the project focuses on improving storage efficiency and achieving several goals, including designing modern centers, expanding supply services, and developing electronic applications. The new services will include food delivery to the homes of those in need, aligning with the government's commitment to ensuring the comfort of its citizens.

The project aims to improve services for more than 70,000 beneficiaries at each supply center, enhancing the overall effectiveness of food support. Storage areas at each center will range from 500 to 1,000 square meters, providing ample capacity to meet the needs of citizens. Currently, there are 92 supply centers across six governorates, with Hawalli Governorate having the highest number of branches (29).

Al-Ajeel noted that most of these centers require rehabilitation due to their small sizes, outdated buildings, and old equipment. These challenges, particularly the limited storage capacity, will be addressed through the project. The initiative will renovate 60 centers with innovative designs, improve food supply services, and enhance the overall food supply system. Additionally, efforts are underway to localize the management and operation of the centers, with the Ministry of Commerce employing local staff.

The Ministry of Commerce is collaborating with various government agencies to launch the project, following the decision issued by the Council of Ministers (No. 1259 of 2022). Al-Ajeel highlighted the project's importance in addressing food crises, ensuring the availability of basic supplies, improving storage efficiency, and reducing loss.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Ziad Abdullah Al-Najem also underscored the project's significance in enhancing food security, increasing storage capacity, and improving services provided to citizens. He added that the project timeline began last year, with the ministry coordinating with relevant authorities on site allocation and initial designs. This year, the ministry will complete the allocation and begin work on the first center. The project is expected to be offered to the Ministry of Public Works in 2026, with actual operations starting in 2027.

Regarding government approvals, Al-Najem mentioned that Kuwait Municipality has approved four sites in Al-Adan, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Al-Oyoun, and Al-Omariya, while the Municipal Council has approved two sites in Al-Adan and Mubarak Al-Kabeer. Approvals are still awaited for the other two locations. Additionally, the Public Authority for Housing Welfare has approved nine sites in residential areas under construction, including Al-Mutlaa, Jaber Al-Ahmad, Sabah Al-Ahmad, Abdullah Al-Mubarak, South Saad Al-Abdullah, and South Sabah Al-Ahmad.

Al-Najem explained that each new supply center building will consist of three stories, featuring administrative offices that will improve communication and operations management. The buildings will also include larger and updated storage areas for food items, allowing for more efficient resource management. Furthermore, 1,000 square meters of parking spaces will be allocated, along with suitable entrances and exits for unloading food supplies at each center.

In its weekly meeting, the Kuwaiti Cabinet reviewed a visual presentation by the Minister of Commerce and Industry on the Strategic Supply Centers Project, which aims to enhance food security. The Cabinet decided that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will submit a quarterly progress report to update the Cabinet on the implementation stages of the project.