KUWAIT: Kuwait's Central Agency for Public Tenders has tentatively approved a direct contract with the South Korean construction conglomerate Hyundai for operating and maintaining Jaber Al-Ahmad Causeway. The causeway, which stretches for more than 30 kilometers across Kuwait Bay waters to Sabbiya, is one of the country's landmark development achievements, envisaged within the development strategy 2035. The Ministry of Public Works said in a statement yesterday that the five-year contract is of a projected value of KD 9-10 million per year ($29-32 million). The deal envisions maritime dredging works, regular examination of all construction materials for all maritime and land causeways. Moreover, it covers sewage and rainwater networks, maintenance of buildings, power installations, air-conditioning sets, cleaning and beautification planting. Furthermore, the works include regular observation of the marine environment and effects on sea creatures. The contract will secure jobs for citizens according to the set laws, the statement said, indicating that the final phase of inking the deal would involve the State Audit Bureau, Fatwa and Legislation Department and the National Assembly. - KUNA

Sheikh Jaber Causeway