KUWAIT: Under the patronage of Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr Jassem Al-Ostad, the closing seminar of the “Kafaa” water guide project, aimed at improving water usage in Kuwait, was held on Wednesday at the Arab Planning Institute.

In her opening remarks, Ministry Undersecretary Maha Al-Asousi highlighted water sustainability as one of the ministry’s top priorities, aligning with the Kuwaiti government’s efforts to enhance water sustainability and security. She praised the collaboration between Kuwait Water Association and the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy in implementing the project. Asousi emphasized the crucial role of modern technology, including artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, in testing and measuring water efficiency.

Asousi expressed hope that the outcomes and experience of the project would extend to more sectors, leveraging a financial incentive program launched by the ministry to encourage buildings to rationalize water and electricity consumption, known as “Hafez”. “It’s a very critical tool that serves the Kafaa program and harmonizes with its goals,” she said.

General Director of Arab Planning Institute receives an award for its efforts in Kafaa project.

Ministry of Interior receives an award for its efforts in Kafaa project.

Chairman of Kuwait Water Association Saleh Al-Muzaini announced the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development as another key partner supporting the project financially. Muzaini discussed the project’s key achievements, including a comprehensive study on water efficiency in Kuwaiti buildings, training over 250 engineers on methods to increase water efficiency and organizing the seminar to present the project’s outcomes and exchange experiences with other Arab countries.

Abdullah Fahad Al-Shami, General Director of the Arab Planning Institute, the strategic partner of Kuwait Water Association, emphasized the extreme importance of the seminar and the project. He noted the critical timing, with many parts of the world facing water resource deficiencies and quality deterioration due to climate change and population growth. Shami highlighted the institute’s contribution to the project, providing training and workshops to the trainees, overseeing logistics and offering accommodation and food.

It’s important to note that the closing seminar does not mark the end of the project, as it aims for a longer-term impact. The creation of a mobile app for “Kafaa” has been initiated for broader accessibility. The engineers, gathered from 15 ministries and government agencies in Kuwait, will continue implementing the outcomes of their training, focusing on detecting leaks, reducing waste and improving water use in buildings.