FOR decades, deep states have controlled all of Kuwait’s institutions and influenced the legislative authority to control the decision-making processes.

That is why when His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad announced the constitutional measures a few months ago, the support for it was unparalleled. This is because it first worked on treating the cause of significant public grievances. It also limited the interference of those groups and deep states in institutions.

However, we must acknowledge the fact that reform cannot happen overnight. Addressing these issues require going through constitutional and legal stages to prevent a crisis in the future.

On the other hand, this does not prevent the amendment of laws that are harmful to the country in order to limit the influence of stakeholders, especially those who live off people’s sufferings, and those controlling the real estate market, who have made the construction chaos an outlet for themselves.

Today we see these ugly cement blocks spread across various areas. However, the original principle of housing care was to ensure stability for the citizens and their families, provided that this does not come at the expense of the environment, society, and the aesthetic view of the region.

That is why government houses in the past were built on these principles, and not jealousy and envy.

Therefore, when someone opposed chaos, he was met with a number of voices from profiteers defending their gains. This opposition does not serve the people. Even though they themselves portray any benefit to them as a popular demand, they are working to enact a law to that effect.

This is contrary to the truth, because it contributed to exacerbating the housing crisis, which the neighboring countries solved in an easy way.

Our neighbors sought the help of international construction companies that are known for their speedy completion, abiding by the international specifications, and for having constructed integrated, self-sufficient housing cities with all necessary services, entertainment places, and others.

For instance, the United Arab Emirates adopted this model approximately 40 years ago, starting with the residential city of Ruwais as its first project. Other cities followed suit, offering affordable prices with installment plans spanning 25 to 30 years.

As for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, many model residential cities were built, taking into account the social and geographical environment, and even the extremely hot climate. The financing was from the companies themselves, which paid loans in installments of over 35 to 40 years, while the state sponsored the land and interest.

Kuwait can learn from its neighbors who took the idea of housing welfare from them and developed it to suit their citizens. However, nothing has changed here. Rather, the housing crisis emerged due to interventions by stakeholders, who, whenever this matter was brought up to them, quickly resorted to a naive and flimsy excuse - “Kuwait is different.”

What is different about Kuwait? Is it the proliferation of unsightly cement structures, the rise of irregular developments, haphazard construction, economic stagnation, or poor education? Or is it the encroachment on state property, such as neighbors constructing large private facilities or claiming residential rights for rental purposes under the pretext of housing their children?

To solve this crisis, we can seek the help of these companies, which will build the city within two or three years, and save the state and future generations from many of the burdens that used to absorb national wealth to please certain influential individuals and those with temporary interests, while the nation and its people pay the price.

Today, with the measures taken by His Highness, there is an opportunity to dismantle the deep state that has controlled the fate of the country for several decades.

The Council of Ministers must also have a clear plan for the people so that they know its role in development, with the speed of achievement being the test.

Will the ministers prove that they are worthy of the Amiri trust placed on them? Will they live up to people’s expectations?

By Ahmed Al-Jarallah

Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times