Kuwait tackles water security challenges by improving management and conservation through renewable energy studies and modern technologies.

• Kuwait’s water production is expected to reach approximately one billion imperial gallons per day by 2035.

Dr. Salem Al-Hajraf, Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy and Minister of State for Housing Affairs, stressed the need to enhance water security and build capabilities to confront common global challenges.

“Water is not just a private resource that can be monopolized and its sources competed for, but rather it is a human right that everyone must respect,” he said.

This came in a speech by Minister Al-Hajraf on Friday, on the occasion of World Water Day, which the world celebrates this year under the slogan “Water for Peace.”

Al-Hajraf stated that celebrating World Water Day sends a message to world leaders and the peoples of the Earth about the necessity of cooperation in the water sector to achieve a dual positive impact for humanity, as water is considered the fundamental foundation of life.

He added that Kuwait’s participation with countries worldwide in celebrating this day demonstrates its keenness to secure its local water needs through modern and innovative methods. This effort dates back to 1951 when Kuwait established the Shuwaikh plant, marking the first seawater desalination plant in the world at that time.

He pointed out that World Water Day is an opportunity to unite efforts on water issues and accelerate progress in this vital field. “We must all play our role, each from our position, to preserve this fundamental resource for existence and collaborate to manage this blessing in a sound and sustainable manner.”

Al-Hajraf explained that the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy has been making every effort since its establishment on November 17, 1962, to achieve its goals and become a tangible reality that aligns with Kuwait’s vision for the growth and development of the state’s housing and service projects.

He stated that the demand for water is expected to rise to 800 million imperial gallons per day by the year 2035. Additionally, the maximum rate of water demand by the end of this year may reach 585 million imperial gallons per day, indicating an increase rate of 27 percent.

He stated that the ministry has drafted its future plan to meet the country’s needs, noting that its water production will reach approximately one billion imperial gallons per day by 2035.

He pointed out that in 2015, the world committed to the sixth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which stipulates the provision of sustainable water management for all by 2030, ensuring safe drinking water for deprived communities.

Kuwait faces water security challenges due to high consumption
Al-Hajraf stated that challenges in the water security sector still persist in the state, notably high consumption rates. However, the ministry has taken serious and effective steps towards improving water management and conservation. This includes studying and experimenting with renewable energy usage, as well as seeking modern and advanced technologies for high efficiency and performance in water treatment, transportation, and storage industries.

On March 22 each year, the world celebrates World Water Day to draw attention to the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of freshwater resources. The goal of this day is to take measures to address the global water crisis in support of achieving the sixth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals.