KUWAIT: Kuwait on Wednesday signed 18 contracts worth KD 400 million ($1.31 billion) with international, Gulf and local companies for comprehensive repairs of the road network in the country. The contracts were signed by Minister of Public Works Noura Al-Mashaan. The deals were the first of their kind, covering all areas of the country, and included contracts with Turkish business Limak, a Qatari company and several from Kuwait, said Khaled Al-Osaimi, acting director general of the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport.

The ministry said the contracts were cleared by the Central Tenders Committee following extensive studies. Twelve of the contracts are for the ministry of public works, which cover all internal roads in the six governorates, while the remaining six contracts dealing with motorways are for the roads authority. The contracts also cover maintenance of rainwater networks, street lighting and telecommunication systems, as well as road paving and other related works.

Osaimi said after the signing ceremony that the contracts aim for comprehensive repairs of highways and internal roads in the six governorates and all areas of Kuwait, with a 10-year warranty that now extends to the foundation layer. Previously, the warranty only covered the first and second layers of the road for five years.

Eco-friendly lampposts are being installed on Arabian Gulf Road.

Meanwhile, the ministry of electricity, water and renewable energy wrapped up on Wednesday infrastructure works of the Gulf Road lighting project and commenced replacing old models with more energy-efficient lampposts, adorned with designs inspired by Kuwaiti culture and heritage. Ministry official Ayman Al-Omani told KUNA following a press conference that the project, extending from the Sixth Ring Road intersection to Jamal Abdulnasser Road intersection, aims to cut energy consumption by 50 to 60 percent.

The project is valued at KD 2.466 million ($8.1 million) for a duration of 24 months, beginning from Dec 2023. The new lampposts add flair to the well-known road, as they are embellished with Islamic, geometric and nautical designs, explained Omani. The ministry faced a few obstacles in executing the project, he revealed, but those were overcome in cooperation with the ministry of public works and the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources.

Contract Supervisor Mohammad Al-Sarraf highlighted to KUNA the significance of the project, as the Gulf Road is one of the most vital and touristic roads in the country. Sarraf spoke of a 10-year plan to install new LED lampposts and expand the use of decorative posts throughout the country. — Agencies