RIYADH: Kuwaiti Minister of Public Works Noura Al-Mashaan acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the government as it plans an overhaul of Kuwait’s roads. Mashaan was participating in the The Saudi Roads General Authority’s “Road Safety & Sustainability Conference”, which kicked off in Riyadh Sunday.

Speaking at a ministerial panel discussion titled “Road Safety: Innovation and Lessons Learned,” Mashaan highlighted data analysis as one of the most pressing challenges facing the ministry in terms of finding solutions to the country’s road safety issues. She said having several entities oversee traffic safety has caused overlap, making it difficult to aggregate road safety data in one place. As a solution, the entities, which include the interior ministry, the Kuwait Municipality and the public works ministry, have now established a data base connected to Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Information which allows for streamlined data sharing. The data is also geo-linked, which helps with information analysis to propose solutions for road safety.

Mashaan said the Ministry of Public Works conducts studies aimed at improving road quality, emphasizing the use of rubberized asphalt. She also mentioned recycling materials used in building roads to reduce carbon emissions, saving time and costs while staying environmentally friendly. Participants toured the accompanying exhibition to explore the latest technologies in sustainable transport and modern developments in enhancing road safety and reducing environmental impact.

The conference, which lasts for two days, features more than 1,000 specialists and experts in transport and infrastructure from over 50 countries, discussing ways to enhance sustainability in the transport sector through innovative solutions aimed at reducing traffic accidents and minimizing environmental emissions. — KUNA