KUWAIT, Feb 9, (KUNA): The Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) said it plans to increase debt collectors’ offices in Kuwait and hire meter-readers from the country and the Gulf, in order to encourage people to pay their debts.

After inaugurating a new consumer affairs office in the Governorate of Jahra, Minister of Electricity and Water Bader Al-Shuraiaan told reporters on Wednesday that his ministry had agreed a deal with Al-Wataniyah Technologies for the installation of smart meters throughout the country’s governorates, to accommodate the rising number of inhabitants.

The smart meters will enable electricity and water bills to be prepaid via smart card, and will provide the ability to read consumption levels from afar.

“The ministry has pledged its commitment to offer the best services to the people of Jahra Governorate by opening this (consumer affairs) centre, designed to specifically mirror others that will be opened for all nationals and residents alike in the coming period,” he said.

He added that he would be opening his office to nationals once a month, to listen to their complaints, noting he would be pursuing an open-door policy.

On other issues, the minister said that the GCC joint electricity network would do the required to substitute shortages that could affect any of the six countries, affirming Kuwait’s ability to cover its own consumption as well as any likely shortage in neighbouring states.

The joint project is part of the GCC integration initiative, he concluded.
Meanwhile, a number of technicians at the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) staged a sit-in recently, demanding their salary scales be revised, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

The protestors threatened to stop working if their demands are not met. They also appealed to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to do the needful.