KUWAIT CITY, Feb 20: The Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) is on the verge of implementing several major power consolidation projects, which include the 9000-megawatt transmitter at North Zour Power Station, to strengthen the electricity transmission network in the country, reports Al-Wasat quoting Minister Nabil bin Salama. Sources revealed the ministry will implement the North Zour project in three phases, in addition to other transmission stations at a cost of KD 550 million and upgrade the current network at a cost of KD 3 million.

Asserting the Transmission Network Department is one of the vital sectors in the ministry, sources confirmed the department is in charge of several projects, with a total cost of KD 253 million, in residential  areas. Sources said the ministry is currently executing projects in new residential areas with a total value of KD 175 million as well as the KD 120 million-project in Sabah Al-Ahmad residential area. Sources added two other projects are being implemented in undisclosed locations, which cost KD 101 million and KD 90 million respectively, to meet the power needs of residents in these areas. "The ministry is keen on implementing these projects and many others included in its five-year plan until 2012 to ensure ample supply of electricity for the whole country," sources concluded.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) on Wednesday reached an agreement with Kuwait Municipality to disconnect power supply from private residential units rented out to bachelors, reports Al-Watan Arabic daily quoting reliable sources.

Sources explained the scheme will be implemented initially in Jabriya, Rumaithiya and Salmiya, which will be expanded later to include other parts of the country.  Sources said the ministry will also announce a hotline number soon for receiving complaints from citizens on the presence of bachelors in their residential areas. Sources added a joint team, consisting of representatives from MEW and the Municipality, will be formed to disconnect the power supply from private homes occupied by bachelors. Sources warned the necessary legal action will be taken against the owners of private residential units rented out to bachelors.

© Arab Times 2009