Council of Ministers urges swift action for rainy season preparedness

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 13, (Agencies): In a recent session, the Council of Ministers has directed various government bodies to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Public Works to ensure the necessary support and equipment for emergency response during the impending rainy season. The involved entities include the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Information, National Guard, Kuwait Municipality, Ministry of Oil, General Directorate of Civil Defense, and the General Authority for Roads and Land Transport.

During the Council's meeting on November 6, 2023, attention was drawn to a letter from the Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, who also serves as the acting Minister of Public Works. The letter emphasized the urgency of procuring essential equipment for emergency operations during the rainy season, citing the lack of existing contracts within the Ministry of Public Works. Coordination efforts with the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, National Guard, Kuwait Municipality, Ministry of Oil, and other relevant entities were highlighted.

The Council paid heed to a visual presentation delivered by the Minister of Electricity and Water, outlining the preparedness measures for the upcoming season. The presentation addressed the Ministry of Public Works and the General Authority for Roads and Land Transport's current situation, focusing on the following key points:

Rainy season preparedness:

• The Maintenance Engineering Sector of the Ministry of Public Works is actively cleaning the internal network across all governorates.
• The General Authority for Roads and Land Transport is responsible for cleaning the sections of the network related to highways and external roads.
• Due to the absence of maintenance contracts for road upkeep through international companies, the rain drainage network is deemed unprepared for the impending rainy season.
• Emergency plans will be activated based on available resources, including the activation of the Ministry of Public Works' operations room, distribution of pumps to critical sites, deployment of heavy equipment, and coordination with civil defense.

Ministry of Public Works' plans:

• Repair and maintenance plans for roads and streets in different governorates and highways are in place.
• A new tender for local and foreign companies is deemed necessary, with considerations for bidding methods like direct contracting and internal practices.

Infrastructure Projects:

• The expansion project of the sewage station in the Umm Al-Haiman area and complementary works are underway, with a dedicated team addressing challenges to expedite completion.
• The results of the consulting office's report on the structural safety of the Abd Al-Razzaq Gate, expected on November 11, 2023, are eagerly awaited.
• Progress updates on the airport project are being tracked.
• Ongoing evaluation of the Ministry's various projects is taking place.

This proactive approach reflects the government's commitment to ensuring public safety and infrastructure readiness in the face of potential challenges posed by the upcoming rainy season.