Roads undergo massive overhaul as MPW, PART push ahead with maintenance plan
Kuwait has effectively become an open-air road maintenance workshop. And if the current pace and dedication continue, citizens and residents can soon expect a return to smooth, durable, and high-quality roads — built to serve the country’s future.
The Ministry of Public Works and the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport are pressing forward with an ambitious nationwide road maintenance campaign, currently being implemented through 18 contracts awarded to specialized companies.
These efforts are being carried out according to detailed schedules, with projects spanning all of Kuwait’s governorates.
A recent field tour conducted by Al-Rai to several maintenance sites revealed noticeable progress across many areas. Despite the short period since work began, improvements are already visible —evidence of serious commitment to restoring the country’s roads to high standards of quality and safety.
Speaking on-site, Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan emphasized, “Our field visits to construction sites are essential to track progress, assess developments, and ensure that the execution aligns with our vision for a modern, efficient, and safe road network. These projects are part of the ministry’s broader strategic plan to meet Kuwait’s growing infrastructure and transport needs.”
Dr. Al-Mashaan added that the Ministry is committed to following international quality standards and specifications in all stages—from design to completion—ensuring long-term performance and durability of the road network.
Eng. Khaled Al-Asimi, Acting Director General of the General Authority for Roads and Land Transport, explained the mechanism behind prioritizing road segments for maintenance. “Work sites are selected based on their condition and safety risk. Contractors begin by surveying the sites in coordination with the Government Center for Testing, Quality Control, and Research. From there, testing and technical planning guide the work to achieve maximum quality and sustainability.”
Al-Asimi also confirmed that all maintenance documents include technical studies, specifications, and compliance with a detailed standards manual provided by the relevant authorities.
To ensure efficient project execution, the Ministry actively works to overcome all obstacles faced by contractors. Acting Undersecretary Eid Al-Rashidi stated, “Minister Al-Mashaan is fully engaged in removing any hurdles. Whether it’s coordinating with the Ministry of Interior for road closure permits, with the Municipality for material storage approvals, or with service ministries to address logistical issues, no effort is spared.”
Al-Rashidi noted that testing procedures and quality control are rigorously followed in collaboration with the Government Center for Testing and other relevant entities.
Supervisory teams assigned to each contract are responsible for monitoring every step of the process. These teams document progress with photographs, conduct regular site visits, and hold coordination meetings. A monthly report detailing site progress is prepared, supported by photographic evidence, and submitted for review.
Each project undergoes multiple layers of quality control, including auditing requests and necessary testing to ensure compliance with contract terms and specifications.
Al-Asimi also discussed long-term protection of the highway network, revealing that the latest contracts include provisions for mobile truck weighing stations.
These stations are designed to measure truck weights in motion, helping prevent excessive wear and tear on road surfaces. Coordination is ongoing with Kuwait Customs, the Ports Authority, and the Traffic Department to activate this system under Cabinet Resolution No. 1043 (2016).
This is part of the broader plan to safeguard infrastructure and enforce weight limits on cargo vehicles to avoid premature road damage.
While it’s still early to provide a final assessment, initial indicators are promising. Some contracts are already ahead of schedule, and visible improvements suggest a positive trajectory.
Officials note that true performance evaluations will be possible after one year of operation, when long-term durability and workmanship can be accurately measured.
To guarantee the sustainability of completed work, all contracts include a 10-year warranty clause. Contractors are obligated to address any foundational damage that arises during this period. This clause encourages high-quality workmanship and long-term accountability.
The Ministry and PART acknowledged the inconvenience caused by road closures and detours but expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation. In many areas, lanes are partially or fully closed to enable work, with diversions provided.
The authorities called on motorists to remain patient and understanding, as these upgrades are essential for a safer and smoother transportation network.
Across Kuwait, heavy machinery, bulldozers, and asphalt-spreading equipment are active on the ground daily. Supervisory teams are constantly present, ensuring that every step of the plan is followed with precision.
Kuwait has effectively become an open-air road maintenance workshop. And if the current pace and dedication continue, citizens and residents can soon expect a return to smooth, durable, and high-quality roads — built to serve the country’s future.
