KUWAIT CITY, Nov 12: The Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) had to reduce the pressure of the water supply to overcome the problem of high consumption and inadequate production, reliable sources told Al-Shahed daily.

If all units are not made functional and all suspended projects are not brought on track, the country is doomed to face a major water crisis, say sources, adding “the North Shuaiba project could not be completed on time due to the contractor’s financial problems. Also, the pipelines which were to transport water from Al-Shuaiba to the station have not been installed yet.”

According to sources, the country is facing mild water crisis even though MEW denies it. They warned that the crisis will become very severe if officials don’t take decisive steps and don’t punish contractors who don’t fulfill their obligations on time.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electricity and Water has started using the system, which links it electronically to Kuwait Municipality, to process transactions related to private residential areas, on an experimental basis in preparation for its implementation in other sectors like the investment and commercial areas, reports Al-Anba daily quoting Head of the Installations Unit in the Distribution Networks Department Emad Al-Obaid.

Al-Obaid revealed the ministry and Municipality had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on linking their systems to facilitate the processing of transactions and ease procedures for the public.

Meanwhile, Al-Seyassah daily has reported that the ministry is contemplating on the possibility of using solar energy to prevent a power crisis in the coming years, considering the rising demand for electricity in the country.

Sources said the idea of using solar energy was presented after conducting the required technical studies and tests.  Sources disclosed the project might be launched in the first quarter of 2011, adding that the solar panels will be installed on top of official buildings.