The Jahra Governorate Committee of the Municipal Council in Kuwait is preparing for a meeting on Wednesday to address a key proposal concerning the expansion of aquaculture in the region. The Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources has put forward a request for the allocation of a site dedicated to fish and shrimp farming, located north of the Subiya area.

Key Proposal for Shrimp Farming Site

Chaired by Abdullah Al-Anzi, the Jahra Governorate Committee will examine this proposal, which also includes a submission from the Public Authority for Industry. This submission requests the annexation of the setback on the eastern side of Plot No. A2 to Plot 1 in the Sulaibiya Industrial Area.

In a recent technical review, the Kuwait Municipality has granted approval for the Agriculture Authority’s request. The approval pertains to a 7-square-kilometer site in North Subiya for the development of fish and shrimp farming activities. This endorsement comes with several conditions, including the necessity for coordination with the Silk City and Boubyan Island Development Authority. Additionally, comprehensive details and components of the project must be presented to the Municipal Council before any implementation can begin.

Phased Land Allocation

The Municipality has outlined that the land allocation for this aquaculture project will be executed in phases. The initial phase will cover an area of 1 square kilometer. Subsequent phases will only proceed following a thorough review of the project’s outputs by the Municipality. This phased approach ensures that the project can be closely monitored and adjusted as needed based on initial results.

A critical aspect of the project’s approval process includes a mandatory study evaluating both the environmental and social impacts of the shrimp farming operations. This study must be submitted to meet the requirements set by the Subcommittee on Public Facilities and Services, as stipulated in their meeting on November 7, 2023.

Flexibility in Implementation

To address potential conflicts with existing infrastructure services or regulatory issues, the Municipality has stipulated that relevant departments be granted the authority to adjust the dimensions and areas of the designated site. These adjustments will remain within the prescribed limits to ensure that the project can move forward smoothly while adhering to all regulatory and logistical considerations.