Cabinet bans all firms linked to rainfall damage pending probe
Saudi prosecution’s Khashoggi murder transparent probe welcomed
KUWAIT CITY, Nov 19, (KUNA): Kuwait Monday welcomed Saudi Public Prosecution’s transparent statement over Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, which reaffirmed Riyadh’s keenness on punishing those responsible for the killing of the Saudi citizen.
The Saudi Public Prosecution statement shows without any doubt Saudi Arabia’s determination to take legal action against those involved in Khashoggi’s murder, the Cabinet said in a statement following its weekly session, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
The government asserted this legal case should not be politicized.
On the other hand, the Cabinet congratulated His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince and the Kuwaiti people on advent of Prophet Mohammad’s birthday occasion.
His Highness the Prime Minister briefed the Cabinet about outcome of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ recent visit, during which he held summit talks with His Highness the Amir over the Palestinian cause, and Kuwait’s reaffirmation of its support of the Palestinian people.
The government, meanwhile, congratulated Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed of Oman on the Sultunate National Day.
Condemned
It condemned a terrorist bombing in central Tirkit, northwest of Iraq, which killed and injured many people.
The Cabinet meanwhile, banned all companies and architectural firms that designed and implemented housing, infrastructure and road projects damaged by recent heavy rainfall, pending an investigation.
The Cabinet chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister, said in a statement companies and architectural firms would not be allowed to take part in any new projects before their names were clear of wrongdoing by an investigation carried out by a fact-finding commission.
Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Hussam Al-Roumi briefed the Cabinet about an investigation with individuals and companies into causes of floods.
The Cabinet assigned Ministry of Public Works, and Fatwa and Legislation Department to refer to prosecution two parliamentary reports about damage in asphalt to
hold those responsible accountable.
The Cabinet formed a team, chaired by Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Al-Sabeeh, tasked with renovating houses damaged by rainfall, and to provide suitable housing until completion of renovation.
The team will also determine who was responsible for damage caused by rainfall, capitalizing from experience gained from dealing with rainfall to prevent recurrence, how to gather the rain instead of wasting it, and preparing requests for compensations for the damage caused by the rain as of next week.
The Cabinet, meanwhile, took
note of a letter by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to His Highness the Prime Minister, in which he commended all government departments in addressing floods caused by the rainfall.
Kuwait’s meteorological office on Monday warned of an increasing potential for spotty and thundery showers in the coming hours.
The rainy conditions are likely to persist until Tuesday with a chance of intermittent downpours at varying intensities, meteorologist Abdulaziz Al-Qarawi told KUNA.
The showers will be accompanied by gusty northwesterly winds
at a speed of 15 to 40 kilometers, leading to a six-foot rise in sea levels, he indicated.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) on Monday urged citizens and residents, especially motorists, to be careful about rainy weather conditions.
Drivers are urged not to make sudden stops in order to prevent endangering their lives and others’, and to keep a considerable distance between cars on the road, the ministry said in a press statement.
The ministry asked people to call (112) for humanitarian, traffic and security help, calling on sea-goers to call coast guards at (1880888) in case of emergency.