- 2.8-million-square-metre project to expand wastewater treatment, promote water reuse and support sustainable development
Kuwait has taken a major step towards strengthening its wastewater infrastructure with the groundbreaking of the North Kabd Wastewater Treatment Plant, a strategic project designed to treat up to 500,000 cubic metres of wastewater daily, with the capacity to double its output in the future.
Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan laid the foundation stone for the project on Monday in the presence of Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Yao Chen, highlighting the importance of infrastructure development, environmental sustainability and cooperation between Kuwait and China.
Dr Al-Mashaan said the project reflected the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries and supported Kuwait’s development priorities. Covering approximately 2.8 million square metres, the project is intended to modernise the country’s sewage system and strengthen its capacity to meet present and future needs.
The minister stressed that the development extends well beyond the construction of a treatment plant. It comprises an integrated network of facilities and infrastructure, including pumping stations in areas such as Al-Shaddadiya, Al-Jahra and Mishref, pipeline networks, deep-injection networks with diameters of up to three metres and storage tanks with a combined capacity of 600,000 cubic metres.
The plant will initially have an operational capacity of 500,000 cubic metres per day, with provision for future expansion to one million cubic metres daily. The project also includes a central incinerator to dispose of pollutants generated by treatment processes and a renewable energy system using solar power and biogas, designed to cover 50 percent of the project’s energy requirements.
Treated wastewater to support irrigation and afforestation
A key objective is to increase the use of treated wastewater, particularly for irrigation and afforestation. Dr Al-Mashaan said this would help rationalise water consumption, conserve natural resources, protect the environment and combat desertification.
The project is intended to support a more sustainable approach to water management by strengthening the infrastructure needed to collect, transport and treat wastewater while expanding opportunities to put the treated water to productive use.
Dr Al-Mashaan described the development as an important step towards modern, sustainable infrastructure, saying the Ministry of Public Works was committed to delivering vital projects that address Kuwait’s current requirements while preparing for future demand.
China-Kuwait cooperation
Chinese Ambassador H.E. Yao Chen welcomed the groundbreaking, describing the North Kabd facility as the largest wastewater treatment plant project currently in Kuwait. Upon completion, he said, it would strengthen the country’s ability to collect, transport, treat and utilise wastewater while contributing to environmental improvement and better public services.
Ambassador Chen said the project represented a major area of cooperation between the Kuwaiti and Chinese governments. He added that Chinese construction expertise and technology would support Kuwait’s sustainable economic and social development and contribute to the objectives of Kuwait Vision 2035.
The ambassador also highlighted closer political and economic ties between the two countries, saying both sides were working to translate agreements reached by their leaders into practical results. He expressed hope that cooperation on major projects would continue to expand and deliver tangible benefits for the people of both countries.
Contractor pledges quality and safety
Wei Zhanhai, chairman of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), said the project had made steady progress since its launch last year, citing the commitment of the Kuwaiti government and the Ministry of Public Works, along with support from the Chinese government.
He pointed to the signing of an agreement at Bayan Palace on July 26 as an important milestone in the project’s development and a further step in bilateral cooperation.
Zhanhai said CSCEC recognised the responsibility involved in delivering the project and would draw on its experience in major infrastructure construction, technological innovation, project management, quality control, safety and resource provision.
He pledged that the company would meet its contractual obligations and apply high standards to ensure the work was carried out safely, efficiently and to the required quality. The North Kabd project brings together wastewater treatment, storage and pumping infrastructure with plans for renewable energy and greater reuse of treated water.
Its planned capacity and provision for future expansion make it a significant component of Kuwait’s efforts to develop its sanitation system and advance its environmental and sustainable-development objectives.
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