Cabinet Approves Dissolution of Roads Authority
Kuwait's Cabinet officially approved a draft decree-law on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, to repeal Law No. 115 of 2014, which established the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport (PART). This move effectively dismantles the agency that has been at the center of recent misconduct allegations. The decree-law has been submitted to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final approval.
Officials Referred to Disciplinary Court
In a related development, several current and former officials from PART have been referred to the State Audit Bureau's disciplinary court. This action stems from alleged financial misconduct within the authority. Public Works Minister Dr. Noura Mohammed Al Mashaan ordered these referrals, acting on recommendations provided by an independent investigation committee she had previously formed. Minister Al Mashaan emphasized that this step underscores the ministry's 'determination to uphold transparency and accountability while safeguarding public funds,' and aims to 'strengthen administrative and financial discipline across the ministry's operations.'
Reasons Behind the Repeal and Restructuring
The decision to dissolve PART comes amidst concerns over its performance and alleged mismanagement. Reports indicate that the authority had failed to adequately improve the quality of roads despite significant expenditures, with over 2.7 billion dinars reportedly spent on projects over eight years, in addition to administrative costs. The repeal is seen as part of a broader government effort to restore public confidence in institutions and curb the mismanagement of state resources.
Following PART's dissolution, the responsibility for railway projects will be transferred to the Ministry of Public Works. Furthermore, departments previously under PART's purview are expected to revert to their original authorities, with all rights and responsibilities of the dissolved authority transferring to the Ministry of Public Works.
Broader Anti-Corruption Drive in Kuwait
This development aligns with Kuwait's ongoing efforts to combat corruption and enhance governmental oversight. Corruption has been identified as a persistent issue in Kuwait, with the public procurement process being particularly susceptible to irregularities. The government has been working to strengthen its anti-corruption legal framework and establish independent anti-corruption bodies to increase transparency in the public sector. The referral of PART officials to the disciplinary court highlights a continued commitment to holding individuals accountable for financial violations within government entities.
5 Comments
Leonardo
While it's good to see officials being held accountable for misconduct, I worry about the disruption this dissolution will cause. A complete overhaul might be necessary, but the transition needs to be smooth to avoid further delays in projects.
Donatello
This sends a strong message. No more wasting public funds!
Leonardo
Dissolving an authority just shifts the blame. What about the root causes of corruption?
Donatello
It's clear PART failed to deliver on its mandate despite significant spending, which warrants strong action. Yet, the question remains whether transferring responsibilities to the Ministry of Public Works will truly solve the underlying issues of inefficiency and mismanagement, or just relocate them.
Michelangelo
The dissolution of PART signals a serious commitment to addressing past failures and corruption allegations. However, the success of this move will ultimately depend on how effectively the transferred departments operate and if the anti-corruption drive leads to systemic, lasting changes rather than just symbolic gestures.