Municipal Council wraps up term with over 185 decisions in 60 sessions

The Municipal Council, the oldest such institution in the country’s history with over 95 years of service, is concluding its 13th legislative term (2022–2025). Responsible for shaping urban policy in coordination with Kuwait Municipality, the Council has issued more than 185 decisions over 60 sessions during its current term — averaging approximately 3.5 decisions per session.

The Council began its current tenure in June 2022 following elections and the appointment of new members. Abdullah Al-Mahri was elected as president, and Khaled Al-Mutairi as vice president, reports Al-Jarida daily.

Committee heads were selected by consensus. In a symbolic milestone, the Council held its first meeting in a new 10-floor modern building, marking a move from its historic location where the first National Assembly meetings were once held.

During the 2022/2023 session, the Council made over 41 decisions. This period was primarily focused on familiarizing new members with municipal laws, yet included substantial initiatives. These covered infrastructure improvements, the allocation of sites for rainwater basins and sewage stations, and responses to environmental and urban planning issues.

In July 2022, the Council approved reorganizing parts of plots 4 and 7 in Kuwait City to reconstruct the fire-damaged Mubarakiya Market. It also reviewed a request to lift a ban on hookah smoking in enclosed spaces and approved the allocation of a rainwater pumping station in the Nuwaiseeb Chalets area.

In September, the Council allocated new pumping stations in Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City, approved pipelines connecting Ahmadi Petroleum Depot and Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery, and allocated housing for religious staff. The following month, the Council transferred ownership of the Prophet’s Biography Center in South Mubarak Al-Abdullah, allocated a site for Zakat House in Khaldiya, and handed over assets of the Central Food Lab to the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition.

By November 2022, requests were reviewed for expanding the Jahra tent market and building new parking facilities near the Shooting Sports Club. The Council also allocated land for a new electricity station near the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Bridge, while rejecting requests to develop industrial zones in Na’ayem.

In December, lawmakers proposed a comprehensive amendment to Municipal Law No. 33 of 2016, modifying 30 of its 53 articles, adding 7 new ones, and deleting one. Other key decisions included introducing a KD 200 fee for election camps, regulating use of public spaces, and supporting initiatives related to radiation protection and urban cultural development.

In early 2023, additional infrastructure allocations were approved, including in Amghara, Jahra, and East Amghara. The Public Authority for Youth requested converting a Mubarak Al-Abdullah youth center into a technology business zone. In February, the Council approved land for housing in southern Kairouan and endorsed a tourism project for the new Ras Al-Ard Club.

March saw support for the National Bank of Kuwait’s initiative to beautify Shuwaikh Beach and Kuwait Finance House’s efforts to rebuild the fire-damaged Mubarakiya Market. The General Fire Department requested land for a new station, while proposals from Council members addressed roads, environmental regulations, and cleaning company classifications.

In May, the Council allocated space for farms to sell products, proposed replacing black trash bags with eco-friendly alternatives, and expanded rainwater projects in areas like Nahda, Wafra, Shuaiba, and Fahad Al-Ahmad. The Ministry of Health’s request to allocate land for seven private hospitals was rejected, as was a proposal for a camel-breeding site in Al-Shaqaya.

The Council also dismissed the Public Authority for Industry’s request to develop the Darakal site in South Mutlaa and Nawaf Al-Ahmad. Similarly, resident complaints about the Kuwait Football Association’s site in Adailiya led to opposition to its commercial use. A proposal to resolve disputes between citizens and contractors was left unresolved due to lack of a comprehensive study.

Proposals and decisions still under review include a new road linking Abdullah Al-Mubarak University to the Seventh Ring Road, gate expansions at Sabah Al-Salem University City, and infrastructure revisions in Rumaithiya. Several naming regulations for 11 regions, licensing of rehabilitation centers in residential zones, and the Desert Adventures Area project in North Mutlaa remain pending.

The Council has also rejected numerous high-profile proposals, including industrial zoning in Subhan, expansion of the Firefighters Club in Al-Masayel, and infrastructure studies for ring roads and Damascus Street. Proposals related to the Fourth Ring Road, camel farming, and the Al-Darkal site were similarly declined.

As its term concludes, the Municipal Council leaves behind a legacy of active governance, having overseen hundreds of urban planning decisions while navigating legislative reform, infrastructure development, and increasing demands from citizens and government agencies.