KUWAIT CITY, Aug 22: Despite the voices calling for the development of beaches for years so that they can be benefited from, the coasts of Kuwait still lack the services, plants and activities that can be provided to the public, reports Al-Qabas daily. The country’s beaches suffer from the ongoing encroachments, environmental neglect and the absence of a supervisory and educational role in monitoring violations, in addition to the lack of interest in providing facilities and services on the beaches in order for the public to benefit from them and raise the level of tourist attractions.

This was affirmed by experts in environmental affairs and activists who have been monitoring encroachments on the marine environment. They stressed that Kuwait is still suffering from the continued chaos of sewage and untreated water being dumped through the rainwater drainage system into the Kuwait Bay and a number of other areas. Head of the “Kayak for Kuwait” team and environmental activist Bashar Al-Hunaidi said, “The encroachments on Kuwait’s beaches are continuing.

The emission of unpleasant odors from the sea water is increasing in many adjacent areas as a result of the continued pouring of sewage water and other liquids into these waters at different periods and times. Many of the beaches are unfit for use particularly due to the encroachments of building contractors on the coasts and the throwing of waste. Also, many owners of plots and chalets work for elderly people and close the beaches, which is a flagrant encroachment on the environment. There is a clear failure in the process of following up these encroachments and violations from Environment Public Authority (EPA).

Violations
The environmental activity by the volunteers is prominent in monitoring violations and guiding those concerned to stop them. We do not find anyone moving on their own to search for defects and stop the encroachment on the marine environment.” Furthermore, environmental activist Dr. Finis Al-Ajmi stated that Kuwait is one of the few countries that do not have beaches equipped for the public, except in specific areas. He said, “The beaches are supposed to be completely reorganized. Many of them are now used as private beaches in front of chalets and villas, which is contrary to the law and regulations in force in the country.”

Dr. Al-Ajmi highlighted the necessity of rehabilitating the beaches for public interest and evaluating the situation, especially since the beaches in the country lack cleanliness, services, toilets, activity halls, facilities, markets, cafes, restaurants, children’s activities and swimming areas. He stressed the lack of environmental awareness in the matter of preserving the marine environment, adding that environmental protectors must do what is required immediately, especially those concerned in the regulatory authorities, as there is overfishing, snail collecting, and the destruction of beaches with sewage and oil waste from industrial areas, not to mention medical waste.