KUWAIT CITY, Jan 7: Several administration and economic experts affirmed that the government’s decisions to merge and abolish certain government bodies and institutions have several positive aspects, including resolving overlaps between ministries and agencies, reducing expenses, expediting procedures, and unifying decision-making. In this regard, administrative and economic consultant Dr. Abdullah Al-Abd Al-Jader confirmed that the merger and abolition of some public institutions are part of the state’s strategy to streamline the government apparatus and enhance its efficiency. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that this move does not increase the budget deficit or create problems for citizens, whether in terms of employment or the services provided by these institutions. Dr. Al-Abd Al-Jader stressed that some government bodies, institutions, and centers have become bloated, thereby increasing the burden on the state, contributing to a larger budget deficit, exacerbating hidden unemployment, and failing to achieve their intended objectives.

He revealed that he had previously urged the government to abolish and merge some agencies due to overlapping jurisdictions, eliminate redundancies, and reduce expenses. Meanwhile, economic expert and writer Faisal Al-Harbi affirmed that Kuwait is currently experiencing a significant economic reform, highlighted by the move to abolish some agencies and merge others, particularly since some of these agencies were established by previous National Assemblies to serve personal interests. He expressed surprise at the existence of the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN), given that Kuwait Municipality already performs the same function. Al-Harbi also highlighted that the Public Authority for Roads and Transportation (PART) is unnecessary, as its responsibilities fall under the Ministry of Public Works.

By Najeh Bilal Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff