The completion rate of development projects in Kuwait’s 2023 plan has been deemed the lowest since 2010, with 70 percent of the projects facing delays and complex challenges. This assessment comes from an informed government source, highlighting the significant obstacles hindering progress.
According to the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, the current year’s report is considered one of the least successful due to a “lack of achievement.” The report reveals that funds allocated for several development projects had to be returned to the Ministry of Finance’s treasury due to the inability to complete them for various reasons.
The report identifies several key challenges faced by development plan projects, focusing on issues such as a lack of coordination among ministries, inadequate understanding of these projects by some entities, and confusion between the development plan and the annual operational plan. These challenges have contributed to the delays and setbacks experienced in the implementation of the development projects.
Within the 2023-2024 development plan, the report pinpoints six entities responsible for impeding 81 projects across various government agencies. These entities include the Ministry of Finance, Kuwait Municipality, Ministry of Public Works, Central Agency for Public Tenders, Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport, and the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy. The report not only highlights the number of projects affected by each entity but also proposes solutions to overcome the challenges.
For Filipino Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait and their families, these challenges in the development projects have significant implications. OFWs often rely on the success of these projects for employment opportunities and economic stability. The delays and setbacks faced by these projects can directly impact the availability of job opportunities for Filipinos working in Kuwait.
Furthermore, the return of funds to the Ministry of Finance’s treasury indicates a mismanagement of resources and a potential waste of public funds. This can raise concerns among OFWs and their families, who may worry about the overall effectiveness and transparency of the government’s development plans.
The lack of coordination among ministries and entities involved in the development projects can also lead to confusion and inefficiency. This can result in delays in the implementation of necessary infrastructure and services, affecting the quality of life for OFWs and their families. It is important for the government to address these coordination issues to ensure the smooth execution of development projects and the timely delivery of promised benefits to the Filipino community in Kuwait.
As the Filipino community in Kuwait navigates these challenges, it is crucial for them to stay informed about the progress and setbacks of the development projects. They can seek updates from relevant government agencies, participate in community forums, and engage with organizations that advocate for the rights and welfare of OFWs. By staying informed and actively involved, the Filipino community can contribute to the push for improved coordination, transparency, and efficiency in the implementation of development projects.
Overall, the challenges faced by development projects in Kuwait have significant implications for Filipino OFWs and their families. It is important for the government to address these challenges and work towards efficient and transparent project implementation. By doing so, they can provide better employment opportunities and a higher quality of life for the Filipino community in Kuwait.
