Aug. 21--KUWAIT -- The Ministry of Electricity and Water received three gas turbines from Japan yesterday-the main equipment for the water and electricity project that is being constructed at the Shuaiba North Co-Generation Power Desalination Plant. The KD 360 million project was awarded to a Japanese company Mitsui, by the Kuwaiti government, that incorporates both Italian and Korean expertise. "When completed, the project will generate and increase the existing capacity of water and electricity needed for Kuwait, stated Ahmad Boushari Director of the planning department at the Ministry of Electricity and Water.

He was talking to reporters during a tour arranged by the ministry yesterday at the project site in Shuaiba. The project, that is expected to be operational by summer next year, will produce 828 megawatts of electricity and 45 million gallons of water for Kuwait. The contract was signed in July 2007 and is expected to be fully operational by early 2010, an official statement from the ministry read.

The project is awarded to Mitsui of Japan who sub-contracted with the Korean Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company (for power) and Fisia of Italy (for water desalination)," mentioned Boushari. The ministry invited members of the local media yesterday to celebrate with them the delivery of the main equipment and also visit the site to get a glimpse of the facilities under construction. The project is yet far from completion, but HJ Im, Hyundai Engineering Project Director told visiting press member s that construction work has been progressing according to schedule.

We expect to deliver the entire and completed project by 2010. So far, we are on the right track and on a time schedule," he added. There are about 40 Kuwaiti engineers and technicians currently working towards executing the project. "The project is enough to meet the required electricity and water demands in Kuwait. People should know the importance of clean water and electricity, so I personally appeal to all our citizens and expatriates to minimize consumption in the greater benefit and interest of the country and everyone," he said.

The Ministry of Electricity and Water also intends to conduct a series of tests and checkups at the facility (when completed) to ensure the safety and security of the system. The ministry also expects the new project to be executed at the highest standards possible. It said it will always strive to deliver its promise; in providing for the electricity and water needs of all its citizens and expatriates.

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