Conflict among govt agencies delays Kuwait railway project

‘Awqaf keen to boost ties with Islamic world’

KUWAIT CITY, March 3: Several government agencies are enmeshed in conflicts, leading to the delayed implementation of the railway project which will link Kuwait and other GCC countries, reports AlJarida daily quoting sources.

Sources said the committee in charge of the preliminary stage of the project is helpless as it cannot overcome hindrances. Sources disclosed Kuwait has yet to take any step towards the implementation of the project despite the recommendations of the GCC ministers of transportation and communications.

Sources claimed the committee has not taken any step to overcome the impediments affecting the authorities involved in such an important project.

Sources revealed the problems include the residents in 25 farms in Wafra where the rail line will pass through, as they have been living there since the 1980s.

Sources explained the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) cannot evict these people from their farms even if the land areas belong to the government, in the same manner that it cannot force owners of livestock pens in Kabad to vacate the area because it collected KD 25 million after the distribution of the plots.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary of Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr Adel Al-Falah said Sunday that his ministry was keen on cooperating with people from the Islamic world and to highlight Kuwait’s role in cultural development among communities and students in and outside the country.

Marking the occasion of hosting the 3rd International Peoples Forum, sponsored by Kuwait’s Minister of Justice, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr Shareeda Al-Mousherji, Al-Falah said, at a press conference, that his ministry was also keen to annually organize such forum amid the country’s national anniversaries to ensure constant communication with all types of society.

The forum is set to take place from March 5th until 11th.

The ministry would contribute through this forum in spreading moderate views among communities and students living here or abroad, including shedding light on the ministry’s role in taking care of students culturally or religiously to ensure Islamic culture guide the students in a positive way, Al-Falah said.

The official added that the forum will tackle a number of proposals regarding boosting capabilities of the youth in serving their communities and contribute into minimizing the obstacles facing students living abroad through collective work.

Al-Falah called also on all intellectuals, citizens, and non-citizens alike to join workshops which would be setup on the sideline of the forum.