Municipal member Al-Farsi proposal seeks regulated parking for small boats

Municipal Council member Engineer Alia Al-Farsi has submitted a proposal calling for the identification and allocation of dedicated sites for parking and storing small boats and motorboats, ranging in size from approximately 16 to 40 feet.

The initiative aims to address growing urban, environmental and traffic challenges linked to the unregulated parking of boats in residential areas.

In her proposal, Al-Farsi highlighted Kuwait’s deep-rooted maritime identity, noting that the country’s coastal geography and long association with the sea have shaped both its history and social fabric, reports Al-Rai daily.

She stressed that fishing and recreational boating remain integral to Kuwaiti life, making it essential to manage related activities in a manner that aligns with modern urban development.

With the expansion of residential areas and a steady increase in the number of small boats, Al-Farsi warned that the lack of designated storage and parking facilities has resulted in boats occupying internal streets and neighborhood spaces. This, she said, has led to visual distortion, traffic obstruction, environmental concerns and security issues, prompting the need for a structured regulatory solution.

The proposal seeks to integrate boat parking into the broader urban planning framework, in line with the Municipal Council’s mandate to regulate land use and preserve the quality of residential environments. Al-Farsi explained that designated parking areas would enhance neighborhood aesthetics, reduce congestion and help strike a balance between residents’ needs and recreational maritime activities.

Under the proposal, Kuwait Municipality would allocate suitable open spaces within governorates, based on recommendations from relevant municipal departments. These sites would be developed in coordination with several authorities, including the Ministries of Interior and Public Works, the Environment Public Authority, the Public Utilities Management Company, the Ministry of Finance, governorate councils and other concerned entities. The facilities would cater exclusively to small boats — locally known as ‘taradeed’ — and would exclude large yachts.

Al-Farsi noted that the parking facilities could take the form of surface lots or multi-story dry-stack systems, depending on site suitability. She emphasized that proximity to the coastline would not be a requirement and that the operation and management of these facilities would be determined by the municipality, either directly or through designated entities.

The proposal outlines several key objectives, including curbing random boat parking, improving traffic safety on internal roads, reducing disputes among residents, supporting maritime activities within legal frameworks and ensuring optimal land use through clearly defined planning standards.

Al-Farsi stressed that the initiative complements existing enforcement efforts by authorities and reinforces penalties against unauthorized parking, while offering a practical and sustainable alternative.