Countries strive to ensure that urban planning aligns with the nature of society and reflects the national identity. Urban planning takes into account the climate and natural environment of the country. Therefore, the design of residential areas, streets and roads must mitigate the high temperature and suit the desert climate of some countries. The measures include expanding vegetation cover and planting more trees. Several institutions are involved in this matter, such as the cooperative societies, Kuwait Municipality, governorates, ministries and Cabinet. For decades, Kuwait has been hearing calls to expand vegetation cover and plant trees along the streets to lessen the impact of wind and dust storms.
There are huge and undeveloped areas in front of some houses, which are known as ‘setbacks’ in Kuwait. If homeowners utilize these spaces for planting and maintaining plants, it will be beneficial for the environment. Recently, instead of helping the citizens beautify the residential areas, the government issued a series of decisions preventing the citizens from utilizing the unused spaces in front of or adjacent to their homes under the pretext of preventing encroachment on state properties, thus, exacerbating the hardship of the people. The concerned institutions like the cooperative societies, Kuwait Municipality, Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR), Ministry of Public Works and Cabinet can utilize these spaces for environmental benefit.
It is known that a portion of the profits of cooperatives is allocated for the upkeep and beautification of residential areas, as well as the improvement of public cleanliness. However, this role seems to have diminished in recent years, resulting in many trees suffering from severe neglect and some are even dying. PAAAFR has identified some types of ornamental plants, but these are insufficient. Other countries do not view planting trees along the streets as mere greenery, but as a genuine service to the environment. Many types of trees can be planted along the streets without damaging the infrastructure, and agricultural experts are fully aware of them. One of the most important tasks of municipalities in any country is sound planning that better serves the community and reflects the national identity. These tasks include designating parking areas, planning roads and squares, overseeing public cleanliness, and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of residential areas.
Yes, the Kuwait Municipality is exerting tremendous efforts, but the socalled master plan for residential areas focuses on their development and this is part of the overall national master plan. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman did this when they considered the interests of the citizens, environmental preservation and expression of national identity. I would like to express my appreciation for the directive of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to the relevant institutions to push towards advancement. The field visits and monitoring of residential areas and public facilities, including the review of the new cemetery plan by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, are highly valued.
Nevertheless, paying more attention to residential areas takes precedence over the grave yards. Some citizens suffer due to decisions and laws that turned many residential areas into wild desert, resulting in significant and disturbing disfigurement. No one argues about the importance of enforcing the law, but it is more important to consider the essence of the law during implementation, so that it helps people live in a more affordable environment. All the measures taken under the pretext of ‘encroachment on state properties’ -- whether concerning plants in front of houses, carports, environmental concerns or national interest -- have only exacerbated the suffering of citizens. I urge the government to inform the people about the best way to utilize the huge setbacks in residential areas.
