THE fruits of development are beginning to be seen in Kuwait, and we can feel some of them now. However, we must admit that there is still a lot of work and effort ahead. The past era left many challenges due to political and electoral favoritism, as well as sale of projects through corrupt deals.
To be honest, since liberation, Kuwait has not seen any real strides toward sustainable development that would secure a good future for the upcoming generations. Instead, there has been a hesitant approach, merely signaling, “We are still here.” Many projects ended up costing far more than their actual value, while others were intentionally delayed so that some parties could benefit from inflated profits through the so-called “variation orders”. As a result, the country is lagging behind in keeping pace with the rapid development seen throughout the region.
It is understood that the real value of any project lies in the speed of its completion. The ultimate goal is not the construction itself, but the well-being of society and the prompt delivery of services to citizens. Delays only worsen the losses. Therefore, countries aiming for sustainable development invest more in development projects to save time.
Many countries have relied on the private sector for development, entrusting it with major sectors such as health, education, tourism, and services. Through the build-operate-transfer (BOT) system, these countries have managed to save on public budgets, and invested funds in other areas of community welfare.
In Kuwait, however, there are still sectors that consume a lot of public funds but deliver low-quality outcomes, to the point of becoming a burden on the state treasury.
A prime example of this is the medical sector. Despite the presence of modern hospital buildings, these facilities often lack the necessary expertise, making them more akin to clinics than advanced treatment centers. As a result, over the years, a large percentage of Kuwaitis have sought treatment abroad.
This issue was exploited by the rise of the so-called “overseas treatment tourism,” which has only added to the strain on public finances. The funds spent on overseas treatments could have been saved or better utilized within the country.
Similarly, entertainment facilities have become another example of projects that weigh heavily on the state’s budget. After the government, under pressure from certain MPs, shut down several of these entertainment venues, the cost of tourism abroad surged to unprecedented levels.
Despite recent development efforts, progress is still slow and cannot be relied upon to revive the country. Unless the mindset shifts to “Time is more precious than money”, true progress cannot be achieved. If Kuwait aims to keep pace with its neighboring countries in their renaissance, it must be willing to spend money to save time, which means increased spending to minimize time. At the same time, the state must rely more on the private sector, ensuring stricter oversight and accountability.
For years, we have heard about major projects such as Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, the new Kuwait International Airport, the metro, and the national train system. Yet, with each new government, these projects remain uncompleted. Ministers have come and gone, but little has changed.
Meanwhile, several countries in the region are spearheading huge construction initiatives with the help of the private sector. These countries manage and supervise these projects through their relevant ministries, without burdening the state treasury.
If Kuwait wants to experience real progress, it must follow this direction. Simply clinging to nostalgia and echoing past glories will only deepen backwardness, which is something no one wants.
