Latest news with #ElectricityandWater
Arab Times
14-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Electricity in Kuwait is like camels dying of thirst while carrying water
WHEN the poet Tarafa Ibn Al-Abd, born in 543 AD, wrote: 'Like camels in the desert dying of thirst while carrying water on their backs', he was perhaps referring to a scenario much like Kuwait's current situation in terms of shortage of not only in electricity but also in other sectors. The country, despite carrying many solutions on its back, suffers from a severe thirst for effective decision-making. The government, the National Fund for Economic Development, and other institutions involved in international charitable work have traditionally allocated generous grants and loans to fund development projects and power plants in other countries. However, when it comes to spending on projects in Kuwait, there is a noticeable reluctance to invest. If we assume the best of intentions, these institutions are awaiting approval from various bodies, each imposing stringent conditions that are often difficult, if not impossible, to meet. This bureaucratic delay is one of the reasons why Kuwait has been grappling with an ongoing electricity crisis since the late 1960s. I remember being at Kuwait's embassy in Beirut in 1970 when the power went out. A citizen, who happened to be in the building, asked in surprise, 'Has Al-Sumait's authority reached Beirut?' He was referring to the late Minister of Electricity and Water Abdullah Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Sumait. Indeed, we cannot deny Al-Sumait his due. He did his best, but was constantly thwarted by challenges, including opposition from the National Assembly, powerful businessmen looking to secure their share of power plant contracts, the Public Tender Committee, the State Audit Bureau, and other bureaucratic hurdles. Since then, many ministers have taken office, but little progress has been made, either due to these persistent obstacles or because many preferred to play it safe and enjoy their exceptional salaries. The electricity crisis in Kuwait recurs every summer. Recently, Kuwaiti officials have come up with a solution in the form of scheduled power cuts. With the arrival of each summer, and even before it begins, we hear about proposed solutions to the crisis. Yet, they remain nothing more than ink on paper, quickly erased by the scorching summer winds. It seems that ordinary citizens are being urged to rationalize their electricity and water consumption, while ministries, government institutions, mosques, and many other public facilities remain exempt from these campaigns. Lights stay on, and air conditioners run continuously, even after working hours have ended. As a result, Kuwait looks like a city where the sun never sets, especially to air travelers at night. This is a prime example of blatant waste, which directly contradicts the government's statements. No wonder, then, that citizens have lost trust in government statements. Because 'Kuwait is different', the government has not taken the initiative to adopt any of the plans implemented in neighboring countries to solve this crisis. The plan is very simple: it starts with rationalizing consumption, followed by achieving self-sufficiency for each city and region. Power stations are allocated to each region and are managed by specialized and competent companies. In Kuwait, each governorate could manage its own electricity, water, and even sewage systems, with the proceeds being reinvested to benefit low-consumption individuals. This model is already in place in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. Do we have to endure darkness and intense heat for an extended period because officials at the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy are unwilling to seriously pursue and implement practical solutions? In most countries, the electricity sector operates independently and is managed by joint-stock companies in which citizens hold shares. However, due to the ongoing chaos in Kuwait over the years, it seems that the situation will remain unchanged until qualified experts take charge of this critical sector. Unfortunately, it appears that there is little hope of achieving this goal soon. The new Minister of Electricity has explicitly stated that the power outages are due to increased loads and consumption compared to last year. This statement suggests that the crisis will not be resolved in the foreseeable future. Considering that the problem has been anticipated since last year, what actions has the ministry taken over the past months to prevent these power cuts? I would like to point out that we have not even reached the peak of the hot summer months ye
Saba Yemen
05-04-2025
- Business
- Saba Yemen
Electricity & Water Minister , his deputy review job discipline at ministry entities
Sana'a - Saba: Electricity, Energy and Water Minister Dr. Ali Saif and his deputy Adel Badel inspected on Saturday the job discipline level in the electricity , water sectors and a number of affiliated entities on the first day of official work following the Eid Al-Fitr vacation. The minister and his deputy reviewed the job discipline in the electricity and water sectors, and listened to an explanation of the level of discipline and the extent of commitment of employees in the various public departments. The Electricity Minister and his deputy were also briefed on the progress of job discipline at the Rural Water Projects Authority, and listened to the acting head of the authority, Yahya al-Shami, and a number of directors general and employees, about the extent of employees' commitment to work after the Eid vacation. During the visit, the Electricity Minister and his deputy emphasized their keenness to inspect the workflow and the level of discipline of employees in the electricity , water sectors and the Rural Projects Authority, in order to facilitate citizens' transactions to ensure the provision of electricity and water services. The Electricity and Water Minister and his deputy were briefed on the progress of job discipline at the General Organization for Electrical Industries and Renewable Energy, and the extent of the commitment of the organization's staff to perform their duties in compliance with the official work schedule after the Eid al-Fitr vacation. They listened to an explanation of the progress of the organization and what it has achieved since its establishment in terms of development projects in the field of electrical energy from the head of the organization, Abdul Ghani Al-Madani. Sami Fayeh and Ali Zabara, deputy directors of the Corporation for Technical Affairs and Treatment Plant, explained the extent to which employees at the Corporation and its regions in the Secretariat are committed to their official duties after the Eid al-Fitr vacation. Electricity and Water Minister and his deputy stressed their keenness to visit the Corporation, to see the discipline of workers in the Corporation , its areas, and to hear from those concerned about the Corporation's development plans , programs, and the financial, technical, administrative and technical obstacles and issues it faces. They explained that the Ministry of Electricity and Water is keen to activate the role of the Corporation, especially with regard to expanding the repair of water and sewage networks, developing revenues, reducing losses, and supporting the Corporation's efforts to provide better services to citizens in the capital, Sana'a Fayeh and Zabara, deputy directors of the Corporation, stressed the commitment of technical crews, workers in the Corporation and its regions to work even on holidays and official occasions to provide water , sanitation services and follow up on efforts to deliver them to the citizen on an ongoing basis. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Saba Yemen
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Minister of Electricity visits shrine of martyr leader in Saada
Saada (Saba) - Minister of Electricity, Energy and Water Dr. Ali Saif Mohammed and his deputy Adel Saleh Bader visited today the shrine of the martyr leader Sayyed Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi, in the Maran area of Haidan District in Saada Governorate. The Minister of Electricity and Water, his deputy and their companions recited Al-Fatiha for the soul of the martyr leader. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Local)
