Kuwait Launches Sweeping Drive to Restore Order and Safety
‘Jleeb Was on the Brink of Disaster’
The Times Kuwait Report
Kuwait has launched one of its most comprehensive urban enforcement and rehabilitation campaigns, with Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh at the center of a large-scale, multi-agency operation aimed at eliminating decades of violations, improving public safety, and paving the way for long-term redevelopment.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef described the district as having reached “the brink of disaster,” saying years of overcrowding, illegal construction, poor planning, and repeated regulatory violations had pushed the area to a critical point where decisive government intervention became unavoidable.
“The situation in Jleeb could no longer be ignored,” the minister said, explaining that successive governments had attempted numerous solutions over the years, but the problems continued to escalate. He likened the current campaign to a doctor’s last resort after all other treatments had failed, stressing that the operation was a necessity rather than a choice.
Years of neglect created serious risks
Officials said Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh’s problems accumulated over many years as residential buildings were illegally converted into overcrowded labor accommodations, with apartments divided into multiple rooms far beyond their intended capacity.
The resulting strain on electricity, water and sewage infrastructure, coupled with poor building maintenance, significantly increased fire hazards and compromised structural safety.
Authorities also identified widespread illegal commercial activities, encroachments on state land, unauthorized warehouses, food safety violations, street vending, and buildings that failed to meet municipal and fire safety regulations.
Government officials warned that the combination of overcrowding, deteriorating infrastructure, environmental pollution and illegal activities had evolved into a broader humanitarian, environmental and security challenge affecting the entire country.
Unprecedented government coordination
The campaign brings together an extensive network of government agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, Kuwait Municipality, the Public Authority for Manpower, Kuwait Fire Force, and the Ministries of Health, Electricity, Water, Commerce, Industry and Public Works, among others.
Each agency has been assigned specialized responsibilities ranging from inspecting unsafe buildings and enforcing municipal regulations to identifying residency and labor violations, assessing food safety, evaluating fire risks, and maintaining security throughout the operation. Officials described the campaign as one of the largest coordinated enforcement efforts undertaken in Kuwait.
Authorities emphasized that the operation is being carried out with humanitarian considerations in mind. Buildings found to be structurally unsafe or in serious violation of regulations are first inspected and documented before residents are issued evacuation notices and given time to relocate.
Government agencies are coordinating temporary assistance for affected families, with officials stressing that the campaign targets illegal practices rather than residents themselves.
“We are not targeting people; we are targeting violations that endanger lives,” Sheikh Fahad said.
Foundation for long-term redevelopment
Officials said the current operation represents only the first phase of a broader redevelopment strategy for Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. Once major violations have been addressed, authorities plan to reorganize the district through modern urban planning, infrastructure upgrades, improved utilities, better roads and enhanced municipal services. The government believes the redevelopment will create a safer, healthier and more sustainable environment while significantly improving the quality of life for residents.
Nationwide enforcement to continue
Sheikh Fahad reaffirmed that the campaign will continue until all objectives have been achieved, stressing that no area in Kuwait will remain beyond the reach of the law. Authorities also confirmed that similar enforcement campaigns will be launched in other areas where serious violations exist, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening public safety, protecting public health, and ensuring full compliance with Kuwait’s laws and urban planning regulations.
