MPs query consumer protection
By Ahmed Al-Naqeeb
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 16: Exercising their right to supervise the government, MPs have submitted queries to various ministers on issues that need clarifications such as the government’s failure to establish non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for consumer protection.
MP Mohammed Al-Dalaal pointed out that Consumer Protection Law No. 39/2014 has yet to be fully implemented despite the issuance of its executive regulations and taking into consideration the time which passed since its approval.
He said the parliamentary response dated Feb 6, 2017 stated the National Commission for Consumer Protection is working towards issuing regulations on the establishment of NGOs for consumer protection in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, but the ministry has not disclosed any information in this regard till date.
Therefore, he asked the minister of commerce and industry about reasons for not enacting Article 23 of the executive regulations of Consumer Protection Law issued in January 2015, which stipulates the establishment of civil associations or NGOs for consumer protection.
The MP wants to know if the National Committee for Consumer Protection laid down regulations on the establishment of NGOs for consumer protection and requested for a copy of these regulations if available.
On the other hand, the increasing number of citizens subjected to arrest warrants and travel bans because of civil proceedings arising from debts has prompted MP Khaleel
Al-Saleh to forward queries to Minister of Justice Fahad Al-Afasi. He wants to know the number of such lawsuits filed against citizens in the last five years, amount of debt, and number of citizens who were served arrest warrants and banned from traveling.
Al-Saleh also submitted queries to the minister of public works and municipality affairs regarding the repair of roads and highways damaged after the recent floods. He said more than two weeks have passed since the floods, but it seems the repair process is going at a very slow pace.
He asked the minister to specify the roads and highways which need maintenance and repairs, estimated total cost, and procedures followed in dealing with contractors and engineering firms in charge of these repairs. He wants to know if the ministry still intends to request for supplementary budget to address technical issues related to such repairs. If yes, he asked the minister to submit detailed documentation on this budget.
Furthermore, MP Thamer Al-Suwait stressed in his queries for Health Minister Bassel Al-Sabah that Article 17 of the Constitution stipulates that public properties are inviolable and it is the duty of every citizen to protect these properties. Since the number of financial violations reported by the State Audit Bureau is increasing, the MP asked how many lots or plots which belong to the ministry are being utilized by other institutions without any benefit or legal ground for usage.
He inquired if there have been cases of refusal to vacate public properties and legal action taken in this regard. He also requested for details concerning tenders, contracts and insurance policies of organizations or investors using State owned land.