KUWAIT CITY, Aug 5: The Council of Ministers has emphasized the urgent need to expedite the construction of six workers’ cities to address the deteriorating situation in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. This move is part of a broader plan to develop and improve the area.


In a recent directive, the Council has tasked the Kuwait Municipality with transferring ownership of six land sites to facilitate the building of these workers’ cities. This initiative aims to resolve the chronic issues plaguing Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, which has become a hub of chaos and violations despite ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Interior and other state agencies.

A government report obtained by Al-Qabas highlights that the proposed workers’ cities will be located in Al-Subiya, Al-Salmi Road, North Al-Mutlaa, Kabd, South Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City, and South Khiran Residential City. The Council of Ministers has ordered the necessary measures to allocate these lands to implement the long-standing plan aimed at modifying the area’s demographic structure and transforming Jleeb into a model neighborhood. Ownership of these sites will be transferred to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Institution for Housing Care.

Seven concerned parties have underscored the need for radical solutions, stressing that the evacuation of Jleeb is crucial to address the demographic imbalance, eliminate randomness, and improve the deteriorating infrastructure. The ongoing encroachments on electricity and sewage systems further complicate the situation.

The Expropriation Department’s letter, reviewed by the Council of Ministers, indicates that the reconstitution of the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Valuation Committee has been pending since 2022, delaying compensation for expropriated plots. Despite financial capabilities, the workers’ cities plan has faced delays. Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, home to approximately 266,000 people within an 8-square-kilometer area, has only 1.5% Kuwaiti residents.


The report points to 13 unimplemented recommendations that have exacerbated the area’s problems over the years. The Council also reviewed correspondence from the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, detailing services and plans for the region, including high-voltage services and existing underground cables.

A letter from the Ministry of Public Works, dated November 28, 2023, detailed the poor condition of the sewage network, rainwater systems, and roads in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. Violations and encroachments on the sewage network have exceeded its capacity, contributing to the infrastructure’s deterioration. The last significant maintenance on the area’s roads was conducted in 2010, with only emergency repairs performed since then.

State authorities have renewed warnings that Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh could become a hotspot of randomness and infrastructure decay. The Housing Authority is coordinating with Chinese counterparts to establish workers’ cities in Subiya and South Jahra. The Ministry of Public Works has also prepared a tender for infrastructure works as part of a consulting agreement to study, design, and supervise these efforts.

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh at a Glance:

Population: 266,000
Area: 8 square kilometers
Kuwaiti Residents: 1.5%
Average Bachelor Accommodation: 6 people per room
The Council of Ministers is pushing for immediate action to transfer land affiliation, prepare plans for workers’ cities, and provide detailed reports within two months. The goal is to address the demographic imbalance, improve security and traffic conditions, and develop the area’s infrastructure urgently.