MP warns of inflation if urgent measures not taken
KUWAIT CITY: "Kuwait spends KD 4.5 billion, out of its total KD 11 billion budget, on granting salaries to its government employees and if urgent measures are not taken, inflation will hit us hard," Al-Anba daily quoted a parliamentary source as saying. Indicating that the country spends 40 percent of its budget on salaries, the source said, "all economic experts and consultants warn that this is a dangerous situation" and pointed out that 340,000 Kuwaiti citizens, who are currently studying, will ask for jobs during the next few years and it will double the burden on state budget.
According to the source, state employees double every 17 years and Kuwait's population will reach two million by 2025. The source wondered if the state can employ all citizens in the public sector and provide them houses, power, medical care and all other social support facilities in 2025. "Even if the oil prices hit $100 per barrel, the government may not be able to provide these facilities to citizens," he added.
Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) intends to offer salary increments to employees of Kuwait Ports Authority (KPA) after studying all technical and financial aspects, reports Al-Nahar daily. Sources say the Cabinet has entrusted CSC with the task of conducting necessary studies especially since salaries have not been increased in KPA in the last 30 years. Reportedly, KPA demanded 110 % rise and as many as 781 employees are likely to be benefited. Minister of State for Housing Affairs, acting Minister of Communications and acting Minister of National Assembly Affairs stressed that he supports the KPA and appreciates the efforts of KPA employees.
In another development, MP Hussein Mezyed asked the Municipality and the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs to 'remove' the Bohra mosque in Ardiya area saying "the structure is illegal and is causing traffic jam in the area." Meanwhile, Municipal Council member Majed Al-Mussa warned MPs against interfering in the work of the council. He reminded MPs that they can use all their constitutional tools to supervise the activities of ministers but "they should not overstep their authority and interfere in technical areas."
© Arab Times 2007
