Sheikh Athbi Nasser Al-Athbi Al-Sabah, Governor of Farwaniya, and His Excellency the Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Housing Affairs, Eng. Abdullatif Al-Mishari, conduct a field visit to Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area.

KUWAIT CITY, April 7: Minister of State for Municipal and Housing Affairs Abdullatif Al-Mishari has stressed the need to expedite the establishment of labor residential cities to address the problem in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. In a press statement after an inspection tour in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh accompanied by Farwaniya Governor Sheikh Athbi Al-Nasser, Deputy Chairman of the Municipal Council Khaled Mufleh Al-Mutairi, Environmental Affairs Committee Chairperson Alia Al-Farsi and acting Kuwait Municipality Director Manal Al-Asfou; Al-Mishari confirmed that the government is keen on finding radical solutions to the urban, planning, security and residential problems in the area that is now being used for other purposes.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Athbi Al-Nasser underscored the importance of addressing the problems in the area, especially since it is surrounded by several government facilities like the Kuwait International Airport, Jaber International Stadium and Kuwait University. He described the area as “depressing”, indicating it does not feel like Kuwait. “The streets, housing and infrastructure are in complete disrepair, some of which are beyond repair,” he revealed. He affirmed that efforts are underway to find radical solutions to end the area’s suffering. He pointed out that one solution is the completion of labor residential cities, which are awaiting approval, in order to relocate the overcrowded workforce in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. He added that recommendations will be prepared after the tour; confirming these recommendations will be submitted to the Council of Ministers within days, with the hope of finding a radical solution. Moreover, Al-Mutairi said “anyone who visits the area finds it is a state within a state. Everyone is aware of the magnitude of the disaster, which cannot be limited to the Municipality’s work; given the environmental, health, security, electricity, water and other problems.”

He pointed out that going out into the field to assess the latest developments in the area, which now requires intensified efforts, is an urgent necessity. He emphasized the need to find solutions and make proposals to address the issue and take the area out of the dark tunnel. He asserted that keeping the area in this condition is unacceptable; considering the stature and value of Kuwait, which has always fl ourished and shone with its civilized areas. He said it was unfortunate that the Gulf Cup was hosted in previous months; while the area has been seen in such a deteriorating condition. He stressed the need for immediate intervention to address the problems in area and halt the environmental depletion of nearby areas. He stated that the vision for reforms is part of studies submitted by the Municipality, but the vision, which is less costly for the State, is being considered to see the transformation of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh from a disease-ridden area to one that refl ects Kuwait’s future vision, according to a feasible plan.

In addition, Al Farsi affirmed that Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh is a hidden gem, boasting a unique geographical location; but its current condition does not match the Kuwait of the future. She pointed out that the area’s management, operating system and level of services have direct impact on the behavior of individuals there and vice versa. “The current situation is beyond chaotic in every respect. Solutions abound and can be studied, evaluated and implemented gradually. It will be a mistake to leave the area in its current state,” she asserted. She said she is pleased with her visit to the area along with Minister of State for Municipal Affairs, the Governor of Farwaniya, the Municipality Director, and representatives from the Municipality and Ministry of Public Works. She added the visit is one of the outcomes of a workshop held by the Environmental Affairs Committee at the Municipal Council; during which eight recommendations were presented, most importantly the need to coordinate a field visit with the concerned parties. She stated that the recommendations approved by the Municipal Council were carefully studied by all parties participating in the workshop, and the responsible parties were identified for each recommendation. She closed the most significant of these recommendations include the implementation of Municipality and Environment Public Authority sanitation regulations. The sanitation issue in the area requires intensive work, intensified oversight, adherence to municipal regulations and systems, removal of violations and encroachments, development of an urgent emergency plan to repair deep potholes, develop infrastructure and sewage network, reduce the crowd and stop the misuse of real estate.

By Inaas Awadh
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff