Encroachments on state properties seen

KUWAIT CITY, May 7: According to a report prepared by the State Audit Bureau (SAB) regarding the review of fees imposed by government agencies for the use of state properties, there were encroachments on state property, accrued dues to the state treasury, and damage to public funds, reports Al-Rai daily.

In its report, which was referred to the National Assembly, the bureau issued 18 recommendations.

It called for the necessity of determining fees according to technical reviews and collecting state dues on a timely basis.

SAB affirmed the existence of encroachments on state properties, which is in violation of decree-law No. 105/1980 regarding the state property system and the failure of the committee in charge of this issue in the Kuwait Municipality to take the necessary measures in this regard.

It highlighted the obsolescence of the tariff and fee system in force in some government agencies and institutions, which deprives the state treasury of higher revenues.

SAB also highlighted the Ministry of Finance’s failure to take deterrent and immediate legal measures regarding the collection of revenues due to it in return for investing in the state properties. This led to the accumulation of dues to the state treasury.

It also indicated the ministry’s failure to take the necessary measures to terminate contracts with some companies, despite their procrastination and delay in the implementation of projects for a long time. This harmed the public funds and prevented the use of some sites, thus missing alternative opportunities for the state and society.

The bureau said it was not known to the accounting agency in the government agencies that signed contracts are based on the Build, Operate and Transfer (B.O.T.) system or any other similar system, which has special studies to develop appropriate policies and alternatives that are the most profitable for the state in terms of projects after the expiry of the terms and non-renewal.