Kuwait accelerates food security drive with major Al-Abdali and Al-Wafra Water Projects
The Ministry of Public Works is accelerating projects to strengthen Kuwait’s food security system by developing infrastructure for agriculture, improving supply chains and supporting local production.
The ministry has launched two major tenders to develop, build, complete, operate and maintain treated-water systems in the Al-Abdali and Al-Wafra agricultural areas. The two tenders are considered a key step in developing the infrastructure needed to support Kuwait’s food security plans and increase the use of treated water for agriculture.
13 companies compete for two projects
The tenders were floated on March 22, and bids have now been opened. A total of 13 companies are competing for the two projects, seven companies for the northern region and six for the southern region.
The Ministry of Public Works’ study committee is currently evaluating the bids and will submit its recommendation to the Central Agency for Public Tenders on the most suitable offers from both technical and financial perspectives. The projects will move to the contracting stage after the necessary regulatory approvals are completed.
Treated water to support agriculture
Kuwait’s food security strategy includes wastewater treatment, agriculture, storage, logistics and related services.
The ministry considers the treated-water projects in Al-Abdali and Al-Wafra a cornerstone for putting this strategy into practice. Once contracts are signed, work will begin on the infrastructure needed to support the wider food security system.
The projects are also intended to improve the movement and distribution of agricultural products, reduce losses and increase distribution efficiency, supporting market stability.
Al-Abdali: New water infrastructure
The Al-Abdali project includes three main components:
- Main transmission lines: Large pipelines will transport treated water from major treatment plants to the northern agricultural area to help address the water shortage.
- Strategic water reservoirs: Ground and elevated storage facilities will be built to store water and maintain stable pressure and flow.
- Irrigation networks: Internal distribution networks will deliver treated water directly to farms to meet growing demand.
Al-Wafra: Expanding water capacity
The Al-Wafra project also includes three key components:
- Third treated-water line: A major transmission line will run from the Treated Water Control Center (DMC) directly to Al-Wafra farms to increase supply capacity.
- Expansion of the Al-Wafra station: The existing station will be upgraded and expanded to meet future demand.
- Network and facility upgrades: Existing networks, collection tanks and branch irrigation lines will be upgraded to reduce water losses.
Three main goals
The projects are designed to support three strategic objectives:
- Strengthen food security by providing a stable and sustainable water supply for agriculture and increasing local production.
- Reduce pressure on fresh water by using treated water for non-drinking purposes.
- Support environmental and economic sustainability by maximizing the use of tertiary and quaternary treated water and developing related infrastructure.
Advanced monitoring and maintenance
The projects will include modern treatment and purification technologies to ensure water quality and compliance with technical standards. They will also use SCADA control and monitoring systems to connect networks, reservoirs and pumping stations with the main control center. The system will monitor water flows and pressure and help detect leaks quickly.
The contracts will also include operation and periodic maintenance of the facilities and pipelines throughout the contractual period to ensure the continued operation of the projects.
