Citizens who received housing assistance lived according to what was allocated to them, because all houses were of a uniform style and there were no unusual preferences. This situation changed due to electoral calculations that interfered in everything -- from the smallest violations to appointments and housing. From here, injustice began to manifest itself in various forms. However, at the same time, there was no governmental vision to achieve justice. Unfortunately, it often aligned with the decisions of members of parliament or even some voters who stipulated exceptional housing privileges for their candidates.
Although other Gulf states adopted the concept of housing welfare from Kuwait, they developed it according to the needs of society as a whole, not individual desires. Other Gulf states established cities and residential complexes based on the needs of each citizen. Those who wanted to build a palace had to buy the land and shoulder the cost themselves. Those who wanted to renovate or expand their homes had to borrow from commercial banks. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and some other Arab countries did not abandon their commitment to provide housing welfare. They offered the service through different tiers to suit various citizens and prevent the recurrence of the problem.
These countries built integrated cities with all the services and expandable infrastructure. Between 2003 and 2006, Bader Al- Humaidi served as Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Housing Affairs. He laid down a brilliant plan, which was endorsed by the then Prime Minister, HH the late Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, and his Cabinet. This plan served as the basis of the national economic development plan of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. A huge percentage of Kuwaiti citizens welcomed the plan. Nonetheless, when the plan was presented, it failed due to the interference of some members of parliament, driven by electoral interests and desires. None of the dissenting MPs offered an alternative plan.
Thus, the situation has been unchanged up to this day. The problem lies not in the plans on paper, but in the implementation and the construction of advanced cities with infrastructure that will serve the residents of the area for decades. The provision of adequate housing is the foundation of social, economic and security stability. Unfortunately, some decision-makers, whose decisions affect the interests of citizens, have failed to grasp this fact.
The solutions we see now are like patching up a worn-out garment, as they are ineffective and only increase the financial burden on the state, while threatening the family and economic stability of citizens. The solution entails returning to previously conducted studies, developing them further, and providing suitable alternatives for citizens who cannot obtain housing assistance. Decisions that hinder social stability will only exacerbate the problem.
