KISR, local bodies in joint bid to address water crisis

Myrtle tree to be planted to beautify Kuwait: PAAAFR

KUWAIT CITY, July 20, (KUNA): Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) said Tuesday it was cooperating with all authorities dealing with water in the country in order to address water security challenges.

KISR and French research centers are currently working on a prototype project for water desalination through the use of solar power, said Dr Mohammad Al-Rashed, acting KISR Director General.

This project is within the framework of a cooperation agreement between the governments of Kuwait and France, explained Al-Rashed, who made the remarks during visits to the water desalination research station and Kadhma water factory in Doha Area.

The project, to be officially launched after two years, will use the solar power thus minimize use of fossil energy in the water desalination operations, he said.

Al-Rashed said the visits aimed at getting acquainted with quality of water in Kadhma factory as well as progress of water desalination research.

He said the water research center aimed at implementing water management and desalination projects.

Engineer Ali Al-Adwani, Director of Kadhma factory, said demand on bottled water increased due to growing of economy and population, noting that every person consumed an average of 500 liters of water per day.

He said in a statement the factory’s objective was to develop the locally-made fresh water to lessen dependence on drinking water imports.

Al-Adwani said the bottled water include the major ingredients recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Meanwhile, the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) announced on Wednesday it would go ahead with planting Myrtle trees as part of a project to beautify Kuwait and diversify its plant life.

Engineer Ghanim Al-Sanad, Head of the Execution and Maintenance Department at PAAAFR, told KUNA that the authority has begun experimenting with a variety of trees and shrubbery to determine which plants can withstand Kuwait’s dry and hot climate.

The Myrtle tree, generally grown in moist and humid climates, was able to flourish in Kuwait’s hot weather.

The Myrtle tree is a small fragrant tree with many branches that carry pink and white flowers, and bear black berries that can be consumed when ripe or can be used as a spice when dried.