KUWAIT CITY, Aug 25: The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) is moving forward with plans to secure approval from regulatory authorities for the awarding of comprehensive road maintenance contracts. According to informed sources, these contracts are expected to be signed before the end of this year, allowing extensive maintenance work to commence early next year, effectively turning the roads into an "open workshop."

In related developments, the Board of Directors of the Central Agency for Public Tenders has decided to postpone the decision on awarding these significant road maintenance contracts for the governorates and highways. The delay is pending a negotiation session with the companies that submitted the accepted bids for the 18 maintenance projects.

Sources indicate that the upcoming negotiation session, requested by the agency, will focus on reducing the costs associated with the proposed bids. The goal is to lower the overall value of the implementation work.

Once the Central Agency for Public Tenders grants approval, the Audit Bureau will be approached to endorse the recommendation for awarding the contracts to the successful bidders. This step is essential before the final contracts are signed with the companies, paving the way for the start of road maintenance operations.

Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs, Dr. Noura Al-Mishaan, is reportedly eager to expedite the approval process from regulatory authorities. She anticipates that the contracts will be signed before the year’s end, enabling extensive road maintenance work to begin at the start of the next year.