Dozens of government projects stalled despite approved budgets: report
The report emphasizes that approving budgets alone is not enough. Administrative readiness, effective coordination among implementing agencies, and strict adherence to timelines are essential to transform plans into tangible benefits for citizens.
More than nine months into the 2024/2025 fiscal year, dozens of Kuwaiti government projects remain stuck in the preparatory phase, with little to no progress.
This was revealed in the third-quarter development plan report issued by the General Secretariat of the Planning Council.
The report, according to Al-Jarida daily, highlights 41 projects across critical sectors such as health, housing, electricity, water, and environmental services that have yet to move from planning to implementation.
Collectively, these projects have been allocated over 112 million dinars, yet most have recorded minimal or no spending, despite official completion dates being set.
Among the most striking examples are the electricity projects with a combined budget of 47 million dinars that have yet to see the day of light.
Public health projects under the Kuwait Ports Authority, including the development of Al-Shaabiya and Doha ports, have a total allocation exceeding 52 million dinars, but only the Shuwaikh Port project has seen significant progress, with 82 percent of funds spent.
The report also points to long-term planning gaps, with some projects scheduled for 2026, 2028, and even 2035, but still showing no signs of operational readiness.
Analysts suggest the root cause lies in the disconnect between planning and implementation, as well as the absence of realistic performance indicators to ensure timely execution.
Key stalled projects include the Kuwait Cargo City under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Ahmadi Cultural Platform, youth centers, road development projects, renewable energy initiatives, and numerous Port Authority developments. In many cases, financial allocations remain unspent, and construction has yet to begin.
The report emphasizes that approving budgets alone is not enough. Administrative readiness, effective coordination among implementing agencies, and strict adherence to timelines are essential to transform plans into tangible benefits for citizens.
Kuwait’s development agenda, the report concludes, must shift focus from theoretical planning to actionable implementation, ensuring that allocated funds translate into real progress and improved public services.
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