Kuwait tightens control over cooperative projects spending

The Ministry of Social Affairs is overseeing the implementation of 38 major cooperative society projects launched between January 2025 and mid-July, valued at nearly KD 25 million, according to Khaled Marzouq, Acting Director of the Cooperative Facilities Department and Director of Monitoring and Inspection.

In addition, 227 small and medium-sized projects were carried out during the same period, with a combined value of approximately KD 2 million. These projects covered a wide range of services, including building maintenance, supply of equipment, computers, air conditioning, insulation, and landscaping, reports Al-Jarida daily.

Marzouq said that cooperative society projects are categorized into three levels based on cost. Small projects, ranging between KD 2,500 and less than KD 15,000, require the submission of three price quotes along with proper documentation.

Medium-sized projects, valued between KD 15,000 and KD 100,000, are executed either through consulting offices for design and supervision or via public calls for contractor bids prepared by the associations.

Large projects, exceeding KD 100,000, involve the nomination of 10 consulting offices, public tenders through newspaper advertisements, and full competitive bidding processes.

The ministry’s role includes supervising the entire project cycle—qualifying contractors, opening bids in the presence of the cooperative board chairman, reviewing brochures, and overseeing contract ratification and disbursements. Marzouq emphasized that companies that fail or neglect their obligations will receive legal warnings, especially if they repeatedly delay or abandon projects.

He also noted that the ministry conducts regular inspections during summer and winter, focusing on the performance of air conditioning, refrigeration, and waterproofing systems. Cooperatives found to have carried out unauthorized projects or failed to maintain their facilities are subject to violations.

For urgent issues such as electrical, firefighting, or refrigeration breakdowns, cooperatives may spend up to KD 7,500, provided they notify the ministry.

Any failure to do so will result in legal action. Associations are also required to channel all project-related communication through the ministry, as they are not authorized to deal directly with other government entities. This includes coordination with the municipality, the fire and electricity departments, and the State Property Department.

In new residential areas, buildings are transferred to cooperative societies by the Public Institution for Housing Welfare or the Ministry of Public Works.

Once operational, these societies are monitored through a new automated inspection system, which allows the ministry to track project progress in real time and evaluate contractor performance according to ISO standards.