Cabinet takes initiative to advance sustainable urban development through local governance
The Council of Ministers said it plans to assign greater responsibilities to all governorates to play the most vital roles currently handled by ministries and government institutions to improve the quality of life and advance sustainable urban development across the country.
The comprehensive proposal will enable governorates to directly supervise landscaping projects and the upkeep of public facilities, aligning with Kuwait’s vision to enhance the livability and visual appeal of its cities and urban spaces, while improving the overall efficiency of urban planning.
Speaking to Al-Rai, the sources explained that experience on the ground has shown the urgent need for a unified local authority to manage and coordinate tasks such as pavement maintenance, street lighting, green spaces, sanitation, and irrigation systems. The goal is to ensure technical coherence and visual harmony throughout all neighborhoods.
Each governorate will be expected to prepare an integrated annual plan for beautification and maintenance, offering projects through unified tenders.
These plans will involve the activation of consulting offices to carry out design and technical supervision, and the formation of permanent technical committees which will include representatives from key institutions such as the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs, the Kuwait Municipality, the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy.
Their responsibilities will include coordination, project design, execution oversight, and ensuring that contractors adhere to technical standards.
Furthermore, each governorate will establish a unified supervisory body to oversee all aspects of urban landscaping and public facility maintenance.
The sources added that the proposal also includes forging strategic partnerships with cooperative societies and civil society organizations to support beautification efforts, promote maintenance activities, and increase public awareness about the role of citizens in protecting and preserving shared spaces.
The new framework also proposes redistributing current landscaping contracts — now under the supervision of the PAAAFR — across six main urban zones. This redistribution will be reviewed to ensure equitable geographic coverage and balanced service delivery.
Empowering governorates in this way is expected to enhance institutional performance, boost the efficiency of public spending, and reinforce principles of good governance. The initiative reflects Kuwait’s broader commitment to sustainable development and the continuous improvement of the urban environment and citizen well-being.
