Kuwait follows int’l standards to preserve environs: minister

‘We’re proud of our vision 2040’

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 12, (KUNA): Kuwaiti oil sector adheres to all international standards and criteria for public and environmental safety, the Oil Minister has affirmed.

“Considering my service for years in the oil and gas industries I totally understand significance of conserving the environment and public health and safety as far as companies are concerned,” said Bakheet Al-Rashidi, also Minister of Electricity and Water.

Companies that lack a clear perspective about such considerations are destined to face catastrophes that also affect the whole industry, warned Minister Al-Rashidi in a statement, inaugurating the sixth International Conference and Exhibition for Health and Environmental Safety (2018).

Affirming the national oil sector keenness on abiding by international standards and criteria for public health and environmental safety, the minister said he was pleased for holding such an international event for the first time in Kuwait.

Nizar Al-Adsani, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), spoke of a new culture in the overall business world; essentially based on averting accidents rather than being complacent thus letting them happen then dealing with costly and tiring consequences.

KPC’s strategy affirms necessity of following national and international criteria to boost management of health, safety and environment. “We are proud of our vision 2040 that calls for excellence in health, safety, security and environment,” he said.

However, he has acknowledged that accidents happen due to shortage of protective resources or complacency.

One of the major challenges is high rates of gas burning at some fields, he says, noting that the KPCS is seeking to limit levels of burning gas in accordance with international standards.

Millions of dollars have been earmarked for present and future plans for ensuring public health and environmental safety, Al-Adsani said, also noting in this respect some environmentally friendly steps, such as approving construction of Al-Dabdaba solar power station.

He also boasted of transforming the KPC buildings into green facilities, winning international certificates.

Director-General of Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) Dr Saud AlHarbi said on Monday that the State of Kuwait was among first countries that enacted laws for protecting architectural heritage.

Kuwait is a pioneer in this respect, issuing the relics law in 1960, a year before attaining independence, said Al-Harbi, who is a Kuwaiti citizen.

Al-Harbi says, judging by what he has heard and seen during visits to many Arab countries, Kuwait’s efforts for preserving the heritage are very much applauded.

He was speaking in a statement on

margins of a third meeting for liaison officers at ALECSO’s monitor for architectural heritage.

On the meeting, which grouped Arab experts, Al-Harbi said it depicted ALECSO’s concern for preserving antiquities particularly in wars and conflicts’ stricken regions “Our Arab and Islamic heritages are threatened in an unprecedented manner,” Al-Harbi said, also warning that natural catastrophes have demolished treasures.

He indicated efforts by the organization to set up a monitor to examine conditions and events affecting the heritage.