The sewage crisis in the Sabah Al-Ahmad region of Kuwait has finally come to an end, according to Dr. Jassim Al-Ostad, the Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, and the Acting Minister of Public Works. In an effort to alleviate the suffering of citizens in the area, a sewage pumping station was put into operation on an experimental basis on Wednesday.
Dr. Al-Ostad emphasized the importance of studying the environmental impact caused by the sewage crisis in Sabah Al-Ahmad. A fact-finding committee will be formed to assess the environmental damage and identify any shortcomings in the state’s infrastructure. Additionally, a comprehensive study will be conducted to evaluate the health status of the sewage and treated water, ensuring the creation of a healthy environment that meets international health standards.
The Minister highlighted the need for structural changes in the sanitary engineering sector, acknowledging that the current capabilities of the Ministry are insufficient, which contributed to the crisis. Efforts are underway to determine the reasons for the delay in the construction of the sewage station for the city of South Al-Mutla’a, with the aim of avoiding a repetition of the Sabah Al-Ahmad scenario.
Dr. Al-Ostad also emphasized the significance of the Umm Al-Haiman sewage station expansion project, which is a vital component of the country’s development plan. It is considered a pioneering project in treating and utilizing wastewater. The project, costing approximately 1.5 billion dinars, serves the areas of Al-Ahmadi and Mubarak Al-Kabeer governorates.
During an inspection tour of the expansion project and the project’s “sewage pumping station” in the Sabah Al-Ahmad region, Dr. Al-Ostad highlighted the benefits of the project. The treated water will be utilized for agricultural purposes, including cosmetic agriculture, and will also meet the water needs of the Kuwait Oil Company. Furthermore, the methane gas produced from the treatment plants will be harnessed to generate energy for the station.
The project was a collaborative effort between the PPP Authority, a German company, and a Kuwaiti company specializing in this field. Dr. Al-Ostad mentioned that in the future, citizens will have the opportunity to publicly subscribe to the station, further involving the community in the management and utilization of wastewater resources.
Ownership of the company responsible for the project is divided, with the state holding 60 percent of the shares, 50 percent of which are allocated to citizens and 10 percent to the government represented by the Kuwait Investment Authority. The remaining 40 percent is owned by the Umm Al-Hayman Water Treatment Company.
Kuwait’s efforts to address the sewage crisis in the Sabah Al-Ahmad region demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving the country’s infrastructure and ensuring a healthy environment for its citizens. Through comprehensive studies, collaborative projects, and community involvement, Kuwait aims to meet international health standards and optimize the utilization of wastewater resources for sustainable development.
Source: TimesKuwait
