Government initiatives halted despite approved funds, according to a recent report
In the heart of the Gulf region, Kuwait is making strides in its development agenda, yet a significant challenge persists: the gap between planning and implementation. Over 41 government projects, totalling more than 112 million dinars, remain stuck in the preparatory phase during the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
One of the root causes for these delays is the disconnect between planning and implementation. Projects spanning sectors like health, housing, electricity, water, and environmental services are affected. For instance, the Shuwaikh Beach development, which has faced multiple official postponements due to incomplete infrastructure work related to marine safety, walkways, and finishing touches, is a case in point. Similarly, public health projects under the Kuwait Ports Authority, such as the Kuwait Cargo City and the Ahmadi Cultural Platform, have a combined allocation exceeding 52 million dinars, yet construction has yet to begin.
The absence of realistic performance indicators to ensure timely execution and the lack of administrative readiness among implementing agencies are also contributing factors. The need for comprehensive readiness plans and effective coordination among agencies is evident, as demonstrated by the Education Ministry's detailed plans for facility maintenance and equipment upgrades in preparation for the academic year 2025–2026.
Recognising these issues, the government is taking active steps to improve project implementation. Enhanced coordination between involved agencies, such as the collaboration between municipal departments and the Tourism Enterprises Company to finalize openings, is one solution. Increasing transparency and oversight through ministerial committees and higher partnerships for public-private projects is another. Accelerating infrastructure works and allowing contracts to include more foreign participation to bring efficiency and technical expertise is yet another approach, as illustrated in large-scale housing projects progressing to meet long-term objectives.
The report emphasises the need for Kuwait's development agenda to ensure that plans lead to tangible benefits for citizens. Allocated funds for these projects must translate into real progress and improved public services. The 2024/2025 fiscal year is more than nine months old, and the need for proactive readiness planning to improve the pace and quality of government project execution is urgent.
While some projects, like the Shuwaikh Port project, have seen significant progress, with 82 percent of funds spent, others, such as those scheduled for 2026, 2028, and even 2035, are still showing no signs of operational readiness. The report underscores the importance of transforming plans into tangible benefits for the citizens of Kuwait, and the need for stronger project management, better inter-agency coordination, and a focus on actionable implementation in the coming months.
- The disconnect between planning and implementation in Kuwait's development agenda, particularly in sectors like finance, business, and industry, is causing delays in government projects, as demonstrated by the Shuwaikh Beach development and public health projects under the Kuwait Ports Authority.
- To ensure that allocated funds for projects translate into real progress and improved public services, the government is taking steps to improve project implementation, such as increasing transparency, oversight, and foreign participation in infrastructure works, as well as strengthening project management and inter-agency coordination.
