Taps go dry as water crunch hits Kuwait
 

KUWAIT: 19 June: The Cabinet called on all residents of Kuwait yesterday to conserve water in a bid to help end a growing water shortage crisis in the country. At least 15 residential areas in Kuwait have suffered from water cuts within the last week and the price of water sold by tankers has skyrocketed. Parliamentary candidates are taking up the issue, blaming the government for the shortages.

Minister of Public Works, Minister of State for Housing Affairs and Acting Energy Minister Bader Al-Humaidi as well as Undersecretary of Energy Ministry Saud Al-Nasser Al-Zaid reported yesterday to the Cabinet on the reasons behind the water shortages and plans for expanding fresh water production in Kuwait. But the lack of a immediate solution has fuelled political debates about the issue. Speaking at their campaign headquarters and in the diwaniyas, the candidates are questioning the government's water policies. Ahmadi district candidate Mohammad Al-Obaid claimed that the water shortages were due to "political reasons."

Over the weekend, several areas in Hawally and Salmiya went several hours without water. Bayan, Hadiya, Salwa, Farwaniya, Mahboula, Mansouriya, Mishrif and Khaitan among others have all been hit by water cuts. Meanwhile water tanker prices have jumped from KD 5 to more than KD 25. Many people have bought water pumps and attached them to the main water supply in their neighbourhoods in order to fill their personal water tanks.

KUWAIT TIMES