Kuwait tentatively OKs contract with Hyundai to maintain key bridge

KUWAIT, July 23 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's Central Agency for Public Tenders has tentatively approved a direct contract with the South Korean construction conglomerate Hyundai for operating and maintaining Jaber Al-Ahmad bridge.
The causeway which stretches for more than 30 kilometers across Kuwait Bay waters to Sabbiya is one of the country's landmark development achievements, envisaged within the development strategy 2035.
The Ministry of Public Labor said in a statement on Tuesday that the five-year contract is of a projected value of KD 9-10 million per year (USD 29-32 million).
The deal envisions maritime dredging works, regular examination of all construction materials for all maritime and land causeways. Moreover, it covers sewage and rainwater networks, maintenance of buildings, power installations, air-conditioning sets, cleaning and beautification planting.
Moreover, the works include regular observation of the marine environment and effects on sea creatures.
The contract will secure jobs for citizens according to the set laws, the statement said, indicating that the final phase of inking the deal would involve the Audit Bureau, Fatwa and Legislation Department and the National Assembly. (end) msa.rk